Athens Adds Bus to Ease Crowding on Key Routes
Athens Public Transit adds 28-passenger bus to address overcrowding on busiest routes
Athens Adds Bus to Cut Crowding on Key Routes
Athens Public Transit riders who've been left at stops when buses fill up will soon get relief. The system's adding a 28-passenger bus to address capacity problems on East State Street and Richland Avenue, its busiest routes, transit officials said. The system serves 1,300-1,400 passengers daily, with riders frequently stranded when vehicles reach capacity.
Capacity Crisis Affects Daily Riders
The new bus addresses a persistent problem for Athens riders who depend on public transit for work, school, and medical appointments. According to GeoStat, 7% of Athens residents don't own vehicles, making reliable transit essential for daily life. Driver Mark Thatcher reports greeting approximately 140 passengers daily on his route. The nonprofit HAPCAP has operated Athens Public Transit for over 50 years, serving Athens, The Plains, Albany, Village of Chauncey, and Nelsonville Monday through Friday.
Delivery Timeline Spans Up to a Year
The new 28-passenger bus is expected to arrive within 3-12 months, officials said, though a specific delivery date wasn't provided. The timeline accounts for manufacturing, safety inspections, and driver training requirements. Officials didn't say whether the bus will be assigned exclusively to East State Street and Richland Avenue or rotate across routes based on demand. The agency also didn't specify whether additional buses are planned if capacity issues persist on other routes.
Free Rides Continue Through 2027
The system operates with free fares for Ohio University students and Athens residents through April 2027, thanks to funding from AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio. Officials didn't say what fare structure might follow when that funding expires or whether they're pursuing additional sponsorships. HAPCAP continues working toward implementing online support systems for riders, though a timeline for those digital tools wasn't available.
Riders Can Track Real-Time Service
The additional bus should reduce instances of riders being left behind during peak travel times, particularly for those commuting to work or classes. Officials said the new vehicle will help ensure more reliable service on the system's highest-demand routes. Riders can use Moovit to track real-time bus locations and plan trips across the Athens Public Transit system.
