Three new buses, more cameras, and high-tech locators are expected to help the Monroe County Transit Authority improve rider service, thanks to $436,000 in federal grants.
The federal economic stimulus money — subject to final approval by the state Transportation Department — is slated for MCTA's Shared Ride program. Shared Ride provides door-to-door service for qualified residents who need rides to medical facilities, shopping or other appointments.
From part of a story in the Palladium-Item in Indiana:
Federal stimulus money for mass transit won't arrive until September, but local transit directors already know how they'll spend the cash that's coming.
Roseview riders also will have more comfortable spots to wait for the bus. Grant funds will place 20 bus stop shelters around the city. The three-sided shelters also will have space for wheelchair-bound customers to wait, Quinter said. Fifteen additional bus stops will get new benches on cement pads that also accommodate wheelchairs, transportation director Terry Quinter said said.
Union County Transit will buy four light transit vehicles that each seat 12 passengers and have two wheelchair bays, transit director Beth McCoy said. The light transit vehicles are roomier and more comfortable for passengers than previous models, she said.
"Everything we have in the fleet also takes care of Wayne County clients, and those numbers continue to grow," McCoy said. "With four new vehicles we can start marketing the service more and maybe start a new evening shift to serve more riders. The demand for (kidney) dialysis patients continues to grow, with some of them now needing evening transportation."
