The M Transit to hold meetings on changes to fixed routes

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The M Transit will hold two public hearings to take comments regarding the scheduled changes to several of its existing fixed bus routes.

Meetings are set for 10 a.m. to noon and again from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The meetings will take place at the Downtown Intermodal Center Conference Room, located at 495 Molton Street.

"Because we are federally funded, we have to hold public hearings for any major changes we make to the service," said The M General Manager Kelvin Miller. "We are pretty much adjusting all of the routes, so we consider that a major change."

Fixed bus Routes that will be reviewed include routes 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10,11,12, the creation of a new bus route, Route 17, and the elimination of Route 15 (Allendale).

"All of the route changes we have done are in reference to a transit development plan that was finished a couple of months ago," Miller stated. "All of those changes were from comments that the public gave to the consultant.

"Most of the changes are moving stops for one road to a different road," Miller went on. :We are extending some services out. We have proposed to eliminate one route with low ridership. We have also proposed to add one route that runs on the Boulevard, connecting west Montgomery to East Montgomery."

Miller hopes the department can bring in more revenue through increased ridership. He said a three percent increase (around $1 million) is what the department would like to see.

Officials will take written and oral comments at both hearings. All comments given by 5 p.m. on Dec. 22 will be included as part of the public record.

Written comments can be faxed to (334) 262-7366 or sent by email to ejackson@montgomerytransit.com.

Those requiring paratransit service to either of the above hearings should contact the MAP office at (334) 240-4692 to book their trip.

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