'We need to get butts in the seats'
The Butler Transit Authority is offering free rides on its commuter bus service to Pittsburgh in an effort increase ridership to the level needed to ensure continued service after its three-year trial period ends.
Free trips will be available on the third week of each month from May through August — May 13-17, June 17-21, July 15-19 and Aug. 12-16. The promotion includes the Route 68 and Route 8 commuter buses that run Monday through Friday to Pittsburgh.
“We need to get butts in seats,” said John Paul, authority executive director. “We need to increase ridership on both lines.”
The fiscal year beginning July 1 marks the second year of a three-year demonstration project funded through state and federal grants, coupled with local matching funds. Paul said ridership must meet targeted figures by the end of the third year or the service will be terminated.
“I'm running out of ideas,” Paul said.
He said the revenue loss from the free rides this summer would be offset costs by the end of the year if ridership increases due to the effort. While an average of 112 people ride commuter service daily, Paul pointed out that number needs to double for the authority to keep the service after the third year of the demonstration project.
“This is a real critical period between now and the end of the year,” Paul said.
This is an excerpt — read the full article in Sunday's Butler Eagle that dives a financial breakdown of the commuter versus local costs.
