If you go
- Goshen Open House: Wednesday, July 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Maple City Conference & Event Center, 222 S. 3rd St.
- South Bend Open House: Thursday, July 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St.
- Mishawaka Open House: Tuesday, July 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library. 209 Lincoln Way E.
- Elkhart Open House: Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 6 p.m., 119 West Wolf Ave.
SOUTH BEND — The next decade of public transportation in Michiana is being planned, and upcoming public forums in four cities seek feedback on concepts that would either expand the number of places served by transit, increase the frequency of trips in more populous areas or maintain the status quo.
The South Bend Public Transportation Corporation and the Michiana Area Council of Governments are asking both current and potential riders to choose between broadening regional transit's coverage area or increasing the frequency of rides in denser urban settings. Without more funding, either option presents tradeoffs that would benefit some demographics and neighborhoods more than others.
'Trips don't get filled':South Bend Transpo staffing shortage leads to uptick in missed trips
Using survey data from more than 550 respondents as guidance, consultant Jarrett Walker and Associates has developed coverage and ridership concepts in the CONNECT Transit Plan to present at public forums starting this week.
Two concepts fit current budget
The existing Interurban Trolley network, which provides bus service between Elkhart, Goshen and Mishawaka, tends to value ridership, meaning routes are tailored to high-density areas. Covering South Bend and Mishawaka, Transpo prioritizes a wider coverage area at the expense of more frequent service.
For Transpo, the "Ridership Concept" would meet one of the main wishes among regular riders: routes featuring 15-minute wait times.
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