Athens Transit Extends Free Rides Through 2027

Athens County buses remain fare-free through 2027 with $150,000 health grant

Athens Transit Extends Free Rides Through 2027

Athens County residents can continue riding public buses at no cost through at least April 2027, transit officials said. Athens Public Transit will maintain fare-free service thanks to a $150,000 grant from AmeritasHealth, saving riders about $2 per round trip. The system served more than 343,000 riders last year, a 13% increase over the previous year.

Grant Sustains Service Across Six Routes

The service, operated by nonprofit Hocking Athens Perry Community Action, runs six routes connecting Albany, Athens, Chauncey, Nelsonville, and The Plains. HAPCAP took over operations of the transit system and has worked to maintain service despite funding constraints. The grant from AmeritasHealth ensures riders won't face fare increases through spring 2027, providing critical transportation access for residents who depend on public transit for work, medical appointments, and daily needs.

Ridership Rebounds After Pandemic Cuts

While ridership has grown 13% recently, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. The system peaked at nearly half a million rides in 2019 when it operated seven lines and Saturday service. One route and weekend service were cut in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and won't return due to funding and staffing limitations, officials said. HAPCAP has improved infrastructure by posting full system maps at shelters and plans to install route-specific signs at designated stops.

Fleet Expansion Planned With State Grant

The agency plans to acquire two new 28-passenger buses and three minivans through an Ohio Workforce Mobility Grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation, officials said. The vehicles will help maintain service reliability across the six-route system. Officials didn't provide a timeline for when the new vehicles will arrive or enter service.

Regional Network Serves Rural Communities

HAPCAP operates multiple transit services beyond Athens Public Transit, including Athens On Demand, Logan Public Transit, and GoBus. Across all services, HAPCAP vehicles completed nearly 507,000 trips in 2025, traveling over 2 million miles. GoBus connects rural communities to major urban centers including Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo through 63 routes, with recent additions linking Columbus to Pittsburgh and Toledo to Ashtabula. Riders can track real-time bus locations and plan trips using Moovit.