Tired of waiting for the bus? Representatives of University Transit Service addressed a small group of bus riders and drivers at a forum last night, introducing plans for new transit services and facilitating discussion about the current public transportation system.
At the forum, coordinated with the help of Student Council's Student Life Committee, UTS Administrative Manager Kendall Howell made a presentation outlining the structure of the current bus system, which, according to Howell, "looks like a big mess." Howell also presented a basic overview of a new transit plan in the works for next fall.
Currently, the blue/orange route is comprised of 12 buses running in a "figure-eight" pattern. The new system will be modular, meaning that service interruptions such as traffic will not delay the entire system. Under the new system, 14 buses will operate on two separate routes, which will operate for more hours on a full-service schedule and will maintain the same route throughout their service.
UTS representatives cited several problem areas that warrant resolution through the new services, including the fact that buses currently only travel from Lambeth to Grounds, without return service to the residential area. This problem will be solved in the new transit plan, which will add a stop at Lambeth from Grounds.
UTS representatives noted that residents in the Hereford area have similar concerns, explaining that buses running on the new routes will use the new connector road between upper and lower Hereford to provide better service.
Another goal will be to more evenly distribute passenger traffic along Alderman Road and to add stops on McCormick Road.
In addition, some stops will be eliminated in the area of Millmont Street and Barracks Road, as well as along Emmet Street because of "many traffic lights and low ridership," Howell said.
"Our routes are centered around student activity and second, around commuter activity," said Mike Goddard, UTS transportation demand management coordinator.
UTS also plans to simplify arrival times. Howell said timed stops will now arrive "on the zero," every 10 minutes.
After the presentation, UTS representatives opened the floor for public questions and concerns.
Speaking on behalf of his wife, University Health System employee Bryan Campbell, who lives in Charlottesville, expressed disapproval about the decision to eliminate service to University Heights.
He explained that there are a large number of residents dependent on service who will have to find transportation elsewhere.
Becca White, UTS director of parking and transportation, said, "we share the goal of reducing traffic," adding, however, that some areas of higher ridership on Grounds are not getting the attention they need.
Second-year College student Sharon Kim raised the issue of intermittent late-night weekend service.
White explained that, under the current plan, buses run every 15 minutes until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. She added that, once GPS units are installed, commuters will be able to verify exactly when a bus should arrive and if it is full.
Howell stressed that input is critical at this phase in determining next year's service package.
"The concept is still in the formation stage, and this month is the [time] to give us input that will ultimately shape the package," he said. "We're not here right now to say 'This is the way it is."
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