Meetings on new 2017 bus routes happening
BY TODD LUCK
THE CHRONICLE
Bus riders will get a chance to see how next year’s new routes will affect them in a series of public meetings held by the Winston-Salem Transit Authority.
WSTA is holding its first meeting tonight on the redrawn bus routes that will go into effect on Monday, Jan. 2.
This is the biggest overhaul of routes in WSTA history. There will be more routes with approximately 1,019 bus stops. The routes have been redesigned to cut down on ride time and include new crosstown routes.
Popular destinations, like all the local Walmarts, will have day and nighttime routes going directly to them. There will be 11 information meetings held at recreation centers and the Clark Campbell Transportation Center though Dec. 8 for bus patrons.
“It will be their last opportunity before the routes are implemented to learn how they can get the most out of the new service,” said Tina Carson-Wilkins, WSTA marketing and community relations director.
In addition to the meetings, the new routes will be available on WSTA’s site, starting Nov. 28. Printed copies of the routes will be available at the Campbell Center’s information windows starting Dec. 1. Starting Dec. 12, there will also be someone with information and materials on the new routes in the lobby of the Campbell Center, to answer passenger questions.
The campaign to inform passengers of the new routes will also include radio and newspaper ads along with a large social media push. There will also be reminders announced through the P.A. system on buses.
Carson-Wilkins said WSTA is ready for the switch over next year. The routes have already been thoroughly tested, programed into WSTA’s computers, and bus operators have been trained on them. She hoped bus patrons would come out to the information meetings, which she believes will alleviate the anxiety some have over the big change.
“I view it as a way to set a lot of our passengers’ minds at ease,” she said. “Information is power and the more information they have, the more comfortable they will be on day one.”
