Capital Metro launches new bus system
Capital Metro’s new bus system launches early June as the biggest change in company history. The new bus system creates nine new routes, adjusts about 13, and eliminates two changing 54 routes.
CEO and President Randy Clarke said the move was long overdue.
"The real thing is we are trying to reset the bus system instead of being individual routes but more of a network approach to how people really move throughout the region," Clarke said.
The remap provides 14 high-frequency routes, running every 15 minutes. A request, cap Clarke said was voiced in their community engagement meetings.
Riders adjusted to the changes Sunday. James Ensminger has been taking the bus for five years and will now have to take several routes to get to his job.
"It takes three stops now to get to work,” Ensminger said. "It's a little inconvenient but I'm sure after a couple of weeks I'll get the new schedule down."
Many riders said they appreciate the shorter wait times. Clarke said he understands the new bus system may not be perfect. Cap Metro will be collecting data into the fall and Clarke said they may re-visit changes in the next service change.
In the meantime, rides will be free the first week with Cap Metro workers riding buses assisting passengers with the new routes.