BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The transit system in Baton Rouge has implemented new bus schedules designed to provide riders with shorter trip times and additional routes. And riders appear to be happy with the changes.
The Advocate reports (https://bit.ly/1g0lfHm ) that the Capitol Area Transportation System’s new routes began last week.
After going through the initial adjustments of learning a new system, riders generally seemed pleased with the changes.
One rider said she thinks new tax money approved for the system was worth it. Others say the new routes mean less worry about missed buses.
Most routes changed last and 10 routes were added. The expansion is the result of the April 2012 tax election that passed in Baton Rouge and Baker.
Troy Guerin said the additional routes and shorter rides enable him to spend more time with his family,
“I’m ecstatic about the changes. It’s been a long time coming,” Guerin said.
LaShaunta Dehon, who works downtown, said the differences have been significant for her.
“If I miss a bus now, I’m not as worried because there’s another one coming right behind it,” she said. “The service is much better.”
She said one of the best improvements is the addition of transfer hubs, where riders can catch connecting buses.
But the changes have been jarring for some.
Jane Harris, who took the bus to work on Thursday, said she wishes the routes had stayed the same.
“I’m still trying to learn it,” she said. “There are a lot of special buses now and you got to be careful not to get on those.”
CATS CEO Bob Mirabito said he thought the first week of service went reasonably well, and the service is bound to get better as both drivers and riders get acclimated to the changes.
“I think as the week progressed it got better and better,” he said. “I’m really pleased with what we’ve done.”
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Information from: The Advocate, https://theadvocate.com
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