Headlines in the Midlands
CMRTA Rolls Out A New and Improving Transit System
COLUMBIA, SC - July 26, 2010 - The Central Midlands Regional Transit
Authority (CMRTA) and members from the Richland County Council and the
City of Columbia today announced a new and improving public
transportation system that aims to provide enhanced service and benefits
for riders and the community.
Working to get changes in place immediately, the CMRTA has already
worked to capitalize on as many cost-neutral changes as possible,
including new route changes, a new system map and redesigned route maps,
making traveling and navigating the Midlands an easy experience.
The CMRTA has also developed a partnership with Piggly Wiggly grocery
stores to sell bus passes at six area locations in Richland County.
Additionally, representatives from the CMRTA outlined a plan to implement long-term changes that include:
Expanding service to more than 90 percent of Richland County;
Increasing frequency on major routes to no more than a 15 minute wait time
Providing ‘Bus-on-Demand’ service on flex routes in smaller buses that travel in neighborhood circulators; and,
Offering more direct routes and additional transfer points to provide quicker, more convenient, service.
During the announcement, CMRTA Board Chair and Richland County
Councilwoman, Joyce Dickerson expressed the importance of having an
efficient and fully funded transit system in the Midlands.
“Public transportation is a vital, quality of life resource that is
needed in our community. It is something that must be permanent so to
enhance the offerings of our community today, tomorrow and for
generations to come.” said Dickerson. “It would be an injustice, and
significantly crippling to our citizens and our community’s economic
future, if there was no transit system.”
CMRTA board member and Columbia City Council member Dr. Belinda Gergel
noted that riders and the community at large will benefit from this new
and improving public transportation system, stating “the changes today
are just the beginning.”
“We’ve listened to the needs of the community and have been working to
design a new and improving public transit system,” Dr. Gergel
continued. “With the support or our community, we can continue to build
a system that benefits our residents, businesses and visitors and
enhances economic development – for many years to come.”
About the CMRTA:
Established in October 2002, the Central Midlands Regional Transit
Authority (CMRTA) is committed to providing safe, dependable and
accessible public transit service to the heart of the Midlands. For
more information about the CMRTA, visit www.goCMRTA.com
