Athens Transit is working on an update of its 10-year plan that could result in revamped or expanded bus routes, reinstating fares and extending service into surrounding counties.
Those are some of the topics transit officials and Athens-Clarke County commissioners discussed during a Nov. 14 work session. But the five-year update of the long-range plan won’t be completed until next spring.
Like other transit agencies nationwide, Athens Transit is facing a number of challenges, including a shortage of drivers and a decline in ridership during peak hours as many people continue to work from home or in hybrid jobs. Ridership just recently returned to its pre-COVID level with 1.4 million total riders in fiscal 2023, interim Transit Director Victor Pope told commissioners.
Commissioner Mike Hamby asked how the 2020 decision to go fare-free affected ridership, but transit officials said the decline was mostly due to the pandemic. Transit officials have also said they need to reinstate fares or find a new source of revenue if the commission wants to expand service. In a survey of more than 400 transit users, about a quarter said they would only take the bus if it was free, but stakeholders also said they want faster, more frequent service and for riders to contribute something to the cost.
Transit officials reached out to the UGA students, immigrant communities and carless households that are Athens Transit’s most frequent riders, hosting town hall meetings at UGA’s Memorial Hall, the multimodal center downtown and the Pinewoods mobile home park, receiving feedback from more than 400 people. Commissioner Dexter Fisher suggested reaching out to employers as well, and Commissioner Melissa Link wanted the department to consult with the United Campus Workers of Georgia union, which is seeking free parking for UGA staff.
Another challenge transit officials noted was “non-destination riders”—homeless individuals who hang around bus…
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