Release Date: August 14, 2015
METRO Shifts into High Gear for Launch of New Bus Network
Bus Stop Signs Change Saturday, Routes Change Sunday
METRO is making big changes this weekend that will affect tens of thousands of bus riders. The major operation unfolding Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 will launch the New Bus Network Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015. More than 100 METRO teams will hit the streets Saturday changing 9,000 bus stop signs, but the routes do not change until Sunday.
"The public said we need seven-day-a-week service, later service hours, more frequent service, more reliable service and now it's all here," said METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia. "The New Bus Network is ready to roll."
"We asked a really radical question," said METRO Board member Christof Spieler. "We know where people live and work in this region. What if we started from a blank sheet of paper? What kind of bus system would we have to really serve where people need to go today? The results are amazing."
METRO is changing the way the region gets around with an innovative system of routes designed to get more people where they want to go. The new routes are more frequent with better connections and expanded weekend service.
 METRO staff celebrates New Bus Network launch with a pep rally.
As part of the launch, METRO is offering free rides for a week beginning Sunday, Aug. 16, 2015 to Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 on its local bus service and light rail. METRO will also launch Next Bus Arrival Texting on Aug. 16.
|
