Athens Transit Adds Bus to Ease Route Crowding

Athens Public Transit adds 28-passenger bus to address overcrowding on busy routes

Athens Adds Bus to Ease Route Crowding

Athens Public Transit is adding a 28-passenger bus to address capacity issues on East State Street and Richland Avenue routes, where riders have been left behind due to full buses. The new vehicle will serve the system's 1,300 to 1,400 daily passengers, officials said. Delivery may take between three to twelve months, though a specific timeline for when the bus will enter service wasn't provided.

Free Fares Drive Ridership Growth

The capacity problems stem partly from the system's success in attracting riders with free fares through April 2027, thanks to support from AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio. According to GeoStat, 7% of Athens residents don't own a vehicle, making reliable public transit essential for the community. HAPCAP, the nonprofit that's operated Athens Public Transit for over 50 years, continues working toward implementing online support systems for riders. The service operates Monday through Friday across Athens, The Plains, Albany, the Village of Chauncey, and Nelsonville.

Drivers Report Daily Capacity Challenges

Mark Thatcher, an Athens Public Transit driver with over five years of experience, reports greeting approximately 140 passengers daily on his route. The East State Street and Richland Avenue routes have seen riders frequently left behind during peak travel times when buses reach capacity. Ben Ziff, HAPCAP's mobility coordinator, said the additional vehicle will help reduce these instances. Officials haven't specified which exact time periods see the most crowding or how many riders are typically left behind each day.

Delivery Timeline Spans Several Months

Delivery of the new bus may take between three to twelve months, including manufacturing, inspections, and driver training, officials said. The agency hasn't announced a specific date for when the vehicle will enter service or when riders can expect relief from capacity issues. Transit officials said they'll provide updates as the delivery process progresses.

Riders to See Reduced Wait Times

The additional capacity should reduce instances of riders being left behind during peak travel times on the system's busiest routes. Officials said the new bus will help accommodate growing ridership while maintaining the free fare program through April 2027. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on Athens Public Transit routes and service information.