Athens Transit Adds Bus to Ease Crowding

Athens Public Transit adds 28-passenger bus to address capacity issues on crowded routes

Athens Transit Adds Bus to Ease Crowding

Athens Public Transit riders who've been squeezed out of full buses will soon get relief. HAPCAP, the nonprofit that operates the service, is receiving a new 28-passenger bus to address capacity issues on the crowded East State Street and Richland Avenue routes, officials said. Delivery may take three to 12 months, though a specific timeline wasn't provided.

Context

The new vehicle addresses a persistent problem for the system, which averaged 1,300 to 1,400 passengers daily in 2025. Mark Thatcher, an APT driver for over five years, reports greeting about 140 passengers daily on his route. Some riders have experienced long wait times and full buses that can't accommodate additional passengers, particularly on the East State Street and Richland Avenue lines. According to GeoStat, 7% of Athens residents don't own a vehicle, making reliable public transit essential for many in the community.

Service Details

APT serves Athens, The Plains, Albany, the Village of Chauncey, and Nelsonville Monday through Friday with varying pickup times depending on routes. The service closes only for major holidays. Thanks to support from AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Ohio University students and Athens locals can ride APT and Athens on Demand Transit for free until April 2027. AODT provides door-to-door service that must be booked at least 24 hours in advance, with priority given to paratransit passengers.

Implementation

Officials didn't specify when the new bus will enter service, citing delivery timelines that range from three months to a year. Construction has been the biggest factor causing delays throughout the system, according to Thatcher. Ben Ziff, HAPCAP's mobility coordinator, said the agency continues working toward implementing online support systems for riders. The nonprofit has operated Athens Public Transit for over 50 years.

Rider Impact

The additional bus should reduce instances of riders being left behind when vehicles reach capacity. Passengers can track their buses in real time using the PassioGo app and access route information through the APT rider guide. Ziff emphasized that public transit should be used for all life activities, not just work and medical appointments. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Athens Public Transit routes throughout the service area.