LANCASTER, Pa. — After about 40 years, changes will be made to Red Rose Transit Authority routes and schedules to meet more customers’ needs.
"We are talking about changing things that people have not only grown up with, but they have known it from the back of their hands," Greg Downing, executive director of the South Central Transit Authority said.
After receiving numerous customer comments about suggested changes to routes and schedules, Red Rose Transit Authority is making some adjustments to keep its customers happy.
The feedback comes after changes were proposed during a SCTA board meeting in May.
Downing, who works for the company that oversees Red Rose operations, said the main comments they've received revolve around keeping service start time at 5 a.m. and keeping midday trips on county routes without any large service gaps.
"We've designed some comments, proposals and changes that have identified both of those things as the major concerns, and we look to fix those things," Downing said.
He also said the authority hasn't seen an increase in public transit funding in more than a decade, which makes it difficult for his organization to address all of its customers’ needs.
"We are using the same money to do the same job and it’s difficult to try and be imaginative in getting new services out," Downing said.
Although money has been tight for the SCTA, some of its customers say they're happy with the changes they're trying to make with what they have.
"Every Saturday I’m working, but I am taking an Uber," Dur Kamali, a local bus rider said. "That's too expensive for me and if the bus is available, that's cheaper than Uber for me."
Downing says they hope to receive more funding so they can meet more of needs their customers' needs in Lancaster County and provide a door-to-door bus service.
The SCTA says it will extend the comment period until July 15, with a public hearing scheduled on June 17.
The new changes are expected to roll out as early as mid-October, pending approval.