News & Events: Press Releases
September 15, 2008
Bay Town Trolley Increases Service Against National Trends
Trolley Officials report record-breaking ridership for third consecutive month
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - This month the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) released a study revealing numerous fare increases and service cuts among transit systems across the nation. In light of these recent findings, Bay Town Trolley Officials are pleased to announce that because of support from the local elected officials and state grant money, trolley fares will remain the same and instead of service cuts, riders will continue to see service expansion.
Ironically, this APTA trend of service reduction comes at a time when public transportation ridership, on a national scale, is at an all time high. Many systems are having difficulty adjusting to this ridership increase and in many cases the pressures are causing increased fares. Bay Town Trolley’s ridership is in-line with national trends as boardings are up 11 percent from 2007.
“Our ridership influx influenced the two-hour evening extension and it helped us make the weekend beach service a success,” said Rob Mahan a regional planner with West Florida Regional Planning Council. “The elected officials have really stepped up to the plate making it possible for us to meet the growing needs of our community; and we’re sure that they’ll continue their commitment as more people hop aboard the trolley.”
Keeping public transportation affordable and accessible is crucial at times like these when the country is in economic turmoil; and it’s been proven that investments in public transportation are worthwhile for the entire community. According to APTA’s 2008 Public Transportation Fact Book, every $1 taxpayers invest in public transportation generates $6 in economic returns Bay County is sure to see economic development from the implementation of a new trolley route funded through a Florida Department of Transportation Job Access Reverse Commute grant. The route, which will begin in the next few weeks, will help provide transportation to and from work for low income residents in the downtown area.
For the past 12 years Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. The Pier Park Express, Bay Town Trolley’s weekend beach route runs Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – midnight. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates log on to www.BayTownTrolley.org.
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