Efficiency and safety are two hallmarks of public services that city residents have come to expect. That includes transportation.
It’s good to see, then, that the city’s public transit system, ColumBUS, has approved several changes intended to improve service and meet those standards for city residents.
Beginning Jan. 3, Routes 1, 2 and 3 will operate a little differently.
Route 1 will experience the most changes. More frequent service will be provided to IUPUC, Ivy Tech Community College and the Bartholomew County Division of Family Services, with buses available two times an hour instead of one. That’s especially beneficial to clients of the county’s Division of Family Services, and to students at the local college campuses.
Another change on Route 1 has enhanced safety in mind.
Candlelight Village residents will be able to board buses on the north side of Rocky Ford Road instead of having to cross the street, as they had to previously. That’s a welcome and needed improvement. Two years ago, a 54-year-old woman was walking south across Rocky Ford Road to reach the bus stop and was struck and killed.
Stops on Middle Road at Parkside and Hawpatch drives are being added to Route 1, too. Route 2 will add to its schedule the Waycross and Lockerbie areas that have been handled by Route 3 — but which often ran behind schedule. That change enables Rote 3 to pick up passengers at Fairington Apartments on Fairington Drive near 25th Street and Taylor Road.
Safety is paramount and practicality is essential with public services. We commend the city for considering these goals and making changes that benefit those who use ColumBUS.
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