Athens Transit Adds Bus to Ease Crowding

Athens Public Transit adds 28-passenger bus to address crowding on busiest routes

Athens Transit Adds Bus to Ease Crowding

Athens Public Transit riders who've been left at bus stops when vehicles fill up will soon get relief. HAPCAP, the nonprofit operating the service, announced it's adding a new 28-passenger bus to address capacity issues on the system's busiest routes. The addition comes as the transit system serves an average of 1,300 to 1,400 passengers daily across Athens and surrounding communities.

Crowding Problems Prompt Expansion

The new vehicle will primarily serve the East State Street and Richland Avenue routes, which have experienced the most crowding problems, officials said. According to GeoStat, 7% of Athens residents don't own a vehicle, making reliable public transit essential for the community. Mark Thatcher, an APT driver with over five years of experience, reports greeting approximately 140 passengers daily on his route. The service operates Monday through Friday across Athens, The Plains, Albany, the Village of Chauncey, and Nelsonville.

Free Service Continues Through 2027

Thanks to support from AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, both Ohio University students and Athens locals can ride APT and Athens on Demand Transit for free until April 2027. The funding extension ensures riders won't face fare increases while the system addresses capacity challenges. Officials said the free service has contributed to increased ridership, making the additional bus necessary to maintain service quality. The 28-passenger capacity will help accommodate peak-hour demand on routes where riders have been left behind.

Delivery Timeline Remains Uncertain

Delivery of the new bus may take between three to twelve months, though officials haven't provided a specific timeline for when it'll enter service. Ben Ziff, HAPCAP's mobility coordinator, stated the agency continues working toward implementing online support systems for riders. The wide delivery window reflects typical lead times for transit vehicle orders and manufacturing schedules.

Riders Can Track Service Updates

The additional bus should reduce instances of riders being left behind during peak travel times, particularly on the East State Street and Richland Avenue routes. Officials said they'll announce a specific service date once the vehicle arrives and completes required inspections. Riders can use Moovit for real-time updates on Athens Public Transit routes and service changes as the new bus enters operation.