Friday, April 21, 2000
Butler Co. bus system expanding
Commuting to work popular
BY Randy McNutt
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FAIRFIELD — Nearly one year ago, the Butler County Regional Transit Authority (BCRTA) started operating to help commuters.
Soon, it will expand its demand-service system to help the elderly, students and anyone who needs transportation.
“Ridership is increasing — we're up to 1,000 trips a week, which is good for a small upstart,” said spokesman Andy Baker-Tyree. “We can't say we're as large as Metro, but we do a lot of employment-related trips. An employment shuttle bus runs around Fairfield to help people catch a bus to Hamilton and Cincinnati. The bulk of our riders are getting to and from work.”
"Blast' buses
The authority operates at 4614 Industry Dr. in Fairfield. It's eye-catching buses, called the Blast, have been noticeable on area roads.
“We have eight brand new Orion buses and we're expecting three more to arrive by fall,” Mr. Baker-Tyree said. “They're easy to get on and off of, and they have low wheelchair lifts. They're more like shuttles.”
On May 1, the BCRTA will offer demand service — like taxi service, but scheduled — for the entire county. Currently, demand service is available in Hamilton and Fairfield.
“We're expecting a good deal of ridership from Miami University in Oxford,” he said. “They have no bus service outside of the city. We should get a lot of student use.”
Cost per rider is $2 a trip each way.
“It's a great service,” he said. “It will make it affordable for a lot of folks to get to and from work and to doctors' appointments.”
In July, the service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Until then, it will be offered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In addition to helping make companies more profitable, the transportation authority also improves air quality, eases traffic and congestion and reduces stress and commuting costs, said Amy Terango, executive director.
As Butler County's industrial and business sectors continue to grow, she said, the need for public transportation will increase.
CATCH A RIDE
To schedule a trip, one to three days in advance, call 785-5327.
85 steps to spiritual well-being
Speedway seeks divorce from town
Charities object to rules on privacy
Poll finds support for stricter stance on guns
6 indicted in gun store break-ins
Berenstains aim anti-gun message to kids
Solving old cases causes shock, relief
Officer apologizes to Madisonville group
African-American health group sets up
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
School mourns teachers' deaths
'Son of Beast' to open April 28
Storm fells trees, power lines
GET TO IT
Rabbit Hash couple lead no-fear lives
Two former locals in NBC pilot
Butler Co. bus system expanding
Covington schools advised on improving
Deerfield employees petition to unionize
Driver had seizure in bank crash
Hamilton may ease rules on residency
Independence mayor fires police chief
Job as principal now in jeopardy
Lockland to redevelop paper mill site
Lucas seeks 2nd term
Norwood promotes policeman to chief
Powell named to judge's post
Silver Grove has ceremony for Columbine
Ten Commandments debate moves to court
Tennessee man may be $80M Powerball winner
TRISTATE DIGEST
Woman is link in kidnap of man
