Published: March 21, 2008 10:56 pm            

Saturday bus service will begin

Two weeks from today, people in Richmond and Berea can take the bus to get around town on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kentucky River Foothills Community Action Partnership began Monday-through-Friday, city-funded bus service in Berea in August 2006 and in Richmond in April. In the past 11 months, the Richmond Transit Service has had 10,726 riders. Since it started, the Berea service has had 9,900 riders.

Both services run loops through each city, stopping at residential neighborhoods, shopping districts, hospitals, post offices, libraries, government buildings and other popular locations.

A $1 bus pass is good for an entire day, and purchasers can ride as many times as the want. A book of 10 passes can be purchased for $7.

“We added Saturday service to help people get out, do errands and have fun,” said David Sowder, Foothills transportation director. “For months riders have been asking for offer Saturday service, and we are thrilled to be able to offer more options.”

With 24 hours notice, a stop can be scheduled anywhere within three-fourths of a mile from the regular bus routes, Sowder said.

The Richmond buses are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair-accessible service in Berea can be arranged with 24 hours’ notice.

Bus service to Lake Reba’s Paradise Cove aquatic center will be offered when it opens May 24, Sowder said.

Foothills also is working to establish an express bus service in Richmond.

In addition to a $50,000 grant, Richmond provides a monthly supplement for the bus service based on ridership, said City Manager David Evans.

The Berea bus service receives $66,000 from the city’s tourism commission, which is supported by a 3 percent tax on restaurant and hotel receipts, said City Administrator Randy Stone

The Berea service transports visitors for such tourism draws the International Festival in May, the Berea Craft Fair in July, the Quilt Extravaganza in August, the Spoonbread Festival in September and the Kentucky Guild Fair in October.

Guests of local motels and campgrounds also ride the bus to Old Town, Chestnut Street (City Hall), Berea College and the College Square (Boone Tavern).

Transportation to and from work and between Richmond, Berea, Lexington and other cities can be arranged for $1.25 a mile by calling Foothills 24 hours in advance.

To reach the Richmond Transit Service, call 624-3236. For the Berea service, call 228-0000. Both services also can be reached by calling toll-free at 1-800-819-7083.

The buses were purchased with federal funds earmarked by U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky. Supplemental funding is provided by the Kentucky Office of Transportation Delivery.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.

        

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