Lincoln's city bus service to make changes
Mayor Chris Beutler said Thursday that changes are on the way for the city’s transit system, starting with route and schedule changes next month.
He said the new schedules and routes, which go into effect June 5, result from a study and were developed with StarTran bus riders’ input.
There will be more frequent service on key routes, new schedules, service to locations near Nebraska 2 on Lincoln’s east side, new downtown routing, new neighborhood routes and a free downtown shuttle.
StarTran also will add two main downtown route transfer stations, Transit Manager Larry Worth said.
While the new system should be provide better connections, reduce transfers and improve overall service, Beutler said still more ideas and improvements are needed.
“I intend to explore the cost-effectiveness of smaller buses,” he said at a news conference. “I will seriously examine the impact of fairly dramatic changes in the fare schedules to encourage greater ridership.”
Beutler said he wants to make “StarTran work for the entire community ... change is imminent,” he said.
Residents said that public transportation was important during “Priority Lincoln” — a recent effort to solicit public opinion on how the city should spend tax dollars.
Respondents indicated they valued public transportation, Beutler said, but were equally adamant that they wanted greater efficiency.
“I heard a real concern about the cost-effectiveness of operating buses that too often run nearly empty for significant portions of the day,” he said. “I share those concerns.”
StarTran will offer a free pre-validated pass to each person attending a scheduled open house or other informational event about the changes.
“With gas prices continuing to climb, more and more people are considering StarTran,” Worth said. “We hope they will use the free passes to give (city buses) a try.”
Worth said the new downtown route transfer stations will be:
* In addition to the existing 11th and N Street transfer station, a new station will be added on the north side of N Street between 10th and 11th streets.
* In addition to the existing transfer station on 14th Street west of the State Office Building, a new transfer station will be added on the north side of that building.
He said the new schedules and routes, which go into effect June 5, result from a study and were developed with StarTran bus riders’ input.
There will be more frequent service on key routes, new schedules, service to locations near Nebraska 2 on Lincoln’s east side, new downtown routing, new neighborhood routes and a free downtown shuttle.
StarTran also will add two main downtown route transfer stations, Transit Manager Larry Worth said.
While the new system should be provide better connections, reduce transfers and improve overall service, Beutler said still more ideas and improvements are needed.
“I intend to explore the cost-effectiveness of smaller buses,” he said at a news conference. “I will seriously examine the impact of fairly dramatic changes in the fare schedules to encourage greater ridership.”
Beutler said he wants to make “StarTran work for the entire community ... change is imminent,” he said.
Residents said that public transportation was important during “Priority Lincoln” — a recent effort to solicit public opinion on how the city should spend tax dollars.
Respondents indicated they valued public transportation, Beutler said, but were equally adamant that they wanted greater efficiency.
“I heard a real concern about the cost-effectiveness of operating buses that too often run nearly empty for significant portions of the day,” he said. “I share those concerns.”
StarTran will offer a free pre-validated pass to each person attending a scheduled open house or other informational event about the changes.
“With gas prices continuing to climb, more and more people are considering StarTran,” Worth said. “We hope they will use the free passes to give (city buses) a try.”
Worth said the new downtown route transfer stations will be:
* In addition to the existing 11th and N Street transfer station, a new station will be added on the north side of N Street between 10th and 11th streets.
* In addition to the existing transfer station on 14th Street west of the State Office Building, a new transfer station will be added on the north side of that building.
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