Amarillo City Transit Adds Bus Routes
Amarillo, TX – Starting Thursday, June 7, commuters will notice several improvements in services provided by Amarillo City Transit. These improvements include changes in estimated departure times, bus stop locations and bus routes. As part of the process, 39 new bus stop locations have been added while 31 stops have been discontinued. Plus, there will be noticeable differences in the stops offered along the routes, particularly Routes 7 and 8.
On Route 7, there are seven new stops servicing customers, particularly in the areas of Care Circle, Canyon Estates, Coffee Memorial, the Atmos Call Center and two stops at Ellwood Park. Regular riders of Route 8 will notice even more changes, most notably a stop at Wallace Blvd. and Gentry Dr., which will service BlueCross BlueShield.
Additionally, Route 5 will travel to the new ADVO facility located at 58th and Washington and ACT passengers that work at Affiliated Foods will now be 12 blocks closer than the current Route 5 pattern which services 46th and Washington.
“Over the last few years, ACT’s ridership has increased,” says Judy Phelps, Transit manager. “The new routes and time schedules will expand service in Amarillo and the improved time schedules are designed to better meet the needs of our riders.”
On average, ACT serves approximately 30,000 passengers along the fixed routes. In Fiscal Year 2010-2011 alone, the Transit Department provided 368,491 one-way fixed route trips. Service is provided Monday through Saturday between 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. except for the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after and Christmas day.
ACT riders are reminded that the departure times are estimated and, once the new schedule is put to the test over the next week, modifications could be made. Even with the improved departure times, there are still many factors that can cause a bus to run behind schedule including heavy traffic, accidents, road construction, and increases in the number of passengers being picked up and dropped off.
“We anticipate there being a learning curve for our dispatchers, drivers and passengers when the routes change Thursday,” says Phelps. “Everyone will need time to adjust to the new routes, time schedules and bus stop locations so we ask everyone to be patient.”
For best service, passengers should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early. Please stand next to the bus stop sign, wave to the driver and exercise caution at all times. Remember that bus drivers must also watch other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic signals, construction and other obstacles in the roadway that could cause an accident.
Those needing help planning a bus trip are welcomed to call 378-3095 or e-mail a request to judy.phelps@amarillo.gov. An ACT dispatcher will help with an itinerary planner. Fixed route travel planning assistance is also available for those who qualify. For more information, call 374-1400.
To request copies of the revised fixed route maps and time schedules call ACT at 378-3095 or visit the City’s website at www.amarillo.gov and click on the “transit” icon in the right hand column of the home page for more information.
