PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Valley Transit is proposing some changes to its schedule during non-peak hours.
The proposed changes including transitioning from fixed-route buses to utilizing VT Connector, an on-demand micro transit service, after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Currently, VT Connector supplements Valley Transit’s bus service by providing trips when riders live or work outside regular bus route locations or need transportation before or after normal operating hours. Under the new proposal, VT Connector would become the primary mode of public transportation during these non-peak hours, requiring passengers to schedule their rides at least two hours in advance.
This change is anticipated to take effect in mid-July 2024, pending approval from the Fox Cities Transit Commission. A public hearing to discuss the proposed changes is scheduled for June 4, at 3:30 p.m. at Appleton City Hall in the council chambers located on the 6th floor. People can also submit their comments to Valley.transit@appleton.org or Fox Cities Transit Commission, c/o Valley Transit, 801 S. Whitman Ave., Appleton, WI 54914, will be accepted until June 10, 2024. Any comments or questions submitted will be shared with the Fox Cities Transit Commission and included in the public record.
“We see a decline in ridership after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on Saturdays,” explained Valley Transit general manager, Ron McDonald. “However, we understand that moving to an on-demand service would be a shift for people, so we would like to hear everyone’s thoughts on this proposed idea. We value the voices of our community as they are the lifeblood of our transit system.”
This also assists with ongoing recruitment challenges; Valley Transit expects these shift changes to attract new drivers to join the Valley Transit team.
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