Changes could be coming to three bus routes starting in January that officials say will better serve the community’s needs.
ColumBUS Transit has proposed adjustments to Route 1, 2 and 3, the first changes in bus service since the city added the west-side route last year. No changes are being proposed on Routes 4 and 5.
Under the proposed changes, Route 1 would bring more frequent service to IUPUC, Ivy Tech Community College and the Bartholomew County Division of Family Resources, all located on the Columbus AirPark on the city’s north side.
Buses would be available two times an hour instead of one, said Cindy Setser, transit coordinator for the city.
Setser said the move would benefit individuals who receive assistance at the family services office who are sometimes stuck waiting an hour for a bus to arrive.
Officials also are proposing directional changes to better serve residents at Candlelight Village located on Candlelight Drive, a short distance south of the AirPark.
In doing so, customers will be able to board buses on the north side of Rocky Ford Road instead of having to cross the street as they do currently, Setser said.
A Columbus resident, Terri Bradtke, was struck by a car nearly two years ago when she was walking south across Rocky Ford Road near the intersection of Candlelight Drive. She later died after sustaining severe head injuries in the accident, police said.
Setser said she was aware of the incident and noted that safety is an issue officials are always looking at. She added that the directional change was proposed for safety reasons and also because there are more riders on that side of the street.
Designated stops on Middle Road at Parkside and Hawpatch drives also would be made available under the proposed changes to Route 1.
Meanwhile, adjustments to Route 2 will pick up the Waycross and Lockerbie areas currently covered by Route 3, which Setser said often runs behind schedule. Route 3 changes also would result in the transit system picking up passengers at Fairington Apartments on Fairington Drive, near 25th Street and Taylor Road.
An open house earlier this month allowed the public to provide feedback on the proposed changes, many of which were positive, Setser said. Bus drivers have already gone on test routes and have provided input on the proposed changes, she said.
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Comments involving changes to three ColumBUS Transit routes can be submitted to transit coordinator Cindy Setser by calling 812-376-2506 or e-mail at [email protected].
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A proposal to modify three city bus routes is subject to final approval by the Columbus Board of Public Works, which is expected to discuss the matter during its 10 a.m. Tuesday meeting at Columbus City Hall.
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