Mountain Line Transit News: 2001

Mountain Line Transit News: 2001

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Mountain Line's Red Line Route to Change; Ames Mall Service Added

December 27, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is announcing a change in its Red Line Bus Route effective January 7, 2001. The Authority is also pleased to announce the addition of a new bus route named Ames/Mall. These routes will change service to the Suncrest and Star City areas. The new Ames/Mall route will provide service directly to the Morgantown Mall and the Ames Plaza in Star City from Evansdale, Beechurst, Downtown Morgantown and Westover. These service changes have been initiated after considerable review and opportunity for public comment, but the Authority asks all interested parties to forward any questions, comments or concerns for consideration and assistance directly to the Authority Offices. Anyone wishing to contact Mountain Line can call 291-RIDE (7433) between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday or e-mail bus@busride.org. Route maps and schedules for the new services are also available at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG or from any Mountain Line Driver. The Authority will also arrange for on-site visits for groups interested in any aspect of Mountain Line transportation services.

Mountain Line Drivers of the Month George, Hemerick and Shultz

December 18, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its November Drivers of the Month, Mr. Bill George, Mr. John Hemerick and Mr. Joe Shultz. These three Drivers were the top performers of the 23 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in November. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance were Clinton Burns, Bernie Cordray, Jim Huffman and Mike Walls. For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433) or visit our web page at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG .

Mountain Line To Hold Public Hearing

November 29, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is announcing a public hearing to offer a proposed route change of the Red Line serving Suncrest and Star City. The proposed Red Line change will also add service to Chestnut Hill Apartments. Additionally, the Authority will present a proposed new service connecting Ames, Downtown Morgantown and the Morgantown Mall. The Public Hearing will be held on Monday, December 10, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. in the Monongalia County Senior Center on High Street. Public comment on the proposed service change is needed to evaluate the initial proposal and make any necessary modifications before the service is changed. Current riders and persons interested in public transportation are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Additional information, including route maps and proposed timetables is available on all buses and the Internet at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG. Interested parties can also call 291-RIDE for more information.

Mountain Line Buses Not Running Thanksgiving Day

November 14, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority would like to remind riders that there will be no bus service on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2001. Normal service will resume on Friday, November 23, 2001.

Hemerick Named Mountain Line Driver of the Month

November 14, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. John Hemerick. Mr. Hemerick was the top performer of the 23 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in October. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Hemerick since May 3, 2000. Mr. Hemerick was also the Authority's April 2001 and July 2001 Driver of the Month. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance were Terry Lewis, Clyde Lowe, Bernie Cordray and Jim Huffman. For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Mountain Line Ridership Up 59%

November 1, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority wishes to thank the residents and visitors of Monongalia County for their patronage. Mountain Line's October ridership increased 59% over last October. Mountain Line ridership since July 1, 2001 is up more than 38% compared to the same four months last year. This extreme increase of an additional 26,190 passenger trips in 2001 makes a total of 93,758 passenger trips since July. Additional ridership increases in October included a 46% increase in senior citizen ridership compared to last year as well as a 21% increase in ridership among passengers with disabilities.

General Manager David Bruffy attributes a large portion of this success to a service contract with West Virginia University. Bruffy stated that 61% of this increase is due to new ridership generated through the WVU contract. Under the WVU contract, University students, faculty and staff can ride Mountain Line buses by showing their valid WVU identification card. The University is pre-paying Mountain Line $60,000 dollars for as many as 80,000 trips through August of 2002. WVU ridership to date has topped 16,000 trips.

For more information on Mountain Line services and bus routes, interested persons can visit Mountain Line's web site at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG or call 291-RIDE (7433). Mountain Line also offers one-on-one assistance to help riders map out their best transportation options.

George Named Mountain Line Driver of the Month

October 11, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Bill George. Mr. George was the top performer of the 23 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in September. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. George since its inception in July of 1996. Mr. George was also the Authority's March 2001 Driver of the Month. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance were Jim Huffman, Bernie Cordray, Clyde Lowe and John Hemerick.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Huffman Named Mountain Line Driver of the Month

September 24, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Jim Huffman. Mr. Huffman was the top performer of the 21 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in August. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Huffman since its inception in July of 1996. Mr. Huffman was also the Authority's September 2000 Driver of the Month. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance were Bernie Cordray, Bill George, Joe Shultz and Terry Lewis.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Mountain Line Buses Not Running Labor Day

August 30, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority would like to remind riders that there will be no bus service on Labor Day, Monday, September 3. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, September 4.

Mountain Line Announces Football Saturday Schedule

August 28, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority has completed plans to provide Saturday transportation during WVU home football games. The Authority has prepared a special bus schedule for 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. kick-off times. Mountain Line will be running a normal morning schedule and will suspend service at 10:00 a.m. on these days. Beginning at 5:25 p.m., bus service will resume and make one trip on each route. Football Saturday schedules are available from Bus Drivers, at the Garrett Street Depot or on-line.

Hemerick Named Mountain Line Driver of the Month

August 9, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. John Hemerick. Mr. Hemerick was the top performer of the 21 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in July. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Hemerick as a Part-time Driver since May of 2000. July was Mr. Hemerick's first month with the Authority as a full-time Driver. Mr. Hemerick was also recognized as the Authority's April Driver of the Month earlier this year. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in July were Clyde Lowe, Jim Huffman, Bernie Cordray and Bill George. For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Lewis Named Mountain Line Driver of the Month

July 12, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Terry Lewis. Mr. Lewis was the top performer of the 23 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in June. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Lewis as a Part-time Driver since March of 2000. Mr. Lewis was just promoted to a full-time position with the Authority in June. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in June were Joe Shultz, Clyde Lowe, John Hemerick and Jim Huffman.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Parker Exemplifies Mountain Line Service

June 14, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Michael Parker. Mr. Parker was the top performer of the 24 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in May. In addition to exceptional performance of his regular duties, Mr. Parker acted on his own in a manner that exemplifies the service attitude of Mountain Line employees. In a feat of service that added a personal touch, Mr. Parker went out of his way to assist one of his passengers. Mr. Parker was operating a van with a high step, making it difficult for one of his passengers to board. Unknown to anyone except his passenger), Mr. Parker purchased a step stool with his own money to assist his passenger. Mountain Line learned of Mr. Parker's generosity and consideration when he purchased a second stepstool and asked his supervisor to request that this one not be removed from his vehicle. Apparently, someone had removed the first step stool to clean windows, not knowing its intended use. Mr. Parker is to be commended (as well as reimbursed) for his service-minded, customer-first attitude as just one example of the level of service Mountain Line employees provide to their patrons every day. Other Drivers noted for their outstanding performance in May were Joe Shultz, Jim Huffman, Bill George and Clyde Lowe. For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433) or visit our web page at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG .

Mountain Line To Start Downtown Trolley Service on Monday

June 1, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce a new, mid-day bus service to begin on Monday, June 4. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, the Authority's Jitney Bus, a red and green replica of an electric streetcar, will begin its 15-minute trip from the MountainLair, through Downtown and finish in the Wharf District. The Trolley will immediately return to the MountainLair by way of Downtown in a thirty-minute loop. Two trolleys will be running every 15 minutes between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to accommodate the lunch crowd anticipated using the 25-cent ride. Additionally the Trolley, upon completion and occupancy of the facility, will serve One-Waterfront Place as the most southern addition of the Wharf District. </p>

The Authority is very excited about this new service. This new route is being funded through a collaboration of private and public sponsors including Ali Baba, BB&T, the Book Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce, Chic N Bones, Citizen's Bank, the City of Morgantown, Glenmark, the Hotel Morgan, Huntington Bank, Main Street Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, the Morgantown Parking Authority, Platinum Properties, the Visitors and Convention Bureau, West Virginia University, the WVU Foundation and the Transit Authority. Copies of schedules are available upon request (291-RIDE) and available on-line at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

Mountain Line To Start Evening Service on Tuesday

May 25, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce new, evening bus service to begin on Tuesday, May 29th. Beginning on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m., the Authority will be providing direct trips between Evansdale, Downtown Morgantown and the Morgantown Mall. This hourly service will begin at Towers at 6:00 p.m., travel by Pierpont Apartments, Ruby Hospital, Willowdale, and Stewart Street to Downtown Morgantown. Thereafter the bus will travel through Westover to the Morgantown Mall.

The one-way fare for this 30-minute trip from Evansdale to the Morgantown Mall is $0.75 cents and does not require transfers. The last trip leaving Towers is at 11:00 p.m. and the last return trip from the Morgantown Mall back to Downtown Morgantown and Evansdale will leave the Morgantown Mall at 11:24 p.m.

The Authority is very excited about this new service. This new route is in response to several passenger and community requests for evening service. This new service is being made possible through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Tea-21 Commuter Access Program, secured by Senator Byrd. Copies of schedules are available upon request (291-RIDE) and available on-line at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

Mountain Line Buses Not Running Memorial Day

May 25, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority would like to remind riders that there will be no bus service on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, May 29.

Chestnut Hills & Sabraton Bus Trial Service to Change May 18

May 10, 2001: At its April Board Meeting, the Mountain Line Transit Authority reviewed two trial bus routes put in place on April 23rd serving a number of group homes in the Morgantown area. The Authority concluded that one of the new services should be eliminated and the other reduced based on a lack of idership and an average cost per passenger trip of nearly $19.

The Authority sent direct mailings, delivered trip information and made direct contacts at Unity Manor, Unity House, Friendship Manor, Chestnut Hills Apartments and individuals living on Sabraton Avenue and Richwood Avenue announcing the two new bus routes. Despite these efforts and several vocal requests for these services, there were only 120 trips in the first two weeks of service, costing the Authority $2,275 dollars or $18.96 per trip. The new routes provided trips directly to Ruby, Downtown, both Senior Centers, and the Mountaineer Mall from Unity House Apartments, Friendship Manor, and Chestnut Hills Apartments. Direct trips were also available from Unity Manor to either Evansdale or the Mountaineer Mall.

These new trips were provided at a reduced, one-fare cost of $0.75 cents, without a transfer or layover. Based on ridership data, the Authority will eliminate the new service to Chestnut Hills Apartments where only fourteen trips were provided in the two-week trial period. Chestnut Hills Apartments will continue to receive hourly service provided by the Gold Line. Additionally, the Authority will be reducing trips through Sabraton and the Mountaineer Mall to 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These service changes will go into effect on May 21st. It is the Authority's hope that these changes will make this new service affordable and provide the benefits requested by several passengers. The Board will review results of the reduced service at their June 13 Board Meeting to consider any additional changes. Complete details and ridership data of these trial runs is available on this site.

Mr. John Hemerick Named Driver of the Month

May 9, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. John Hemerick. Mr. Hemerick was the top performer of the 25 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in April. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Hemerick since May of 2000. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in April were Clyde Lowe, Jim Huffman, Joe Shultz and Steve Holt.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Mountain Line To Start Trial Service on Monday

April 18, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce two new bus routes. Beginning on Monday, April 23, the Authority will be providing direct trips between Evansdale and the Mountaineer Mall. There will be three trips per day, Monday through Friday during a trial period. These trips will be 75 cents one-way, and their continuation will depend solely on use of the service. Trips from Evansdale directly to Ruby, Downtown, both Senior Centers, and the Mountaineer Mall will be possible from Unity House Apartments, Friendship Manor, and Chestnut Hills Apartments. Direct trips will also be available from Unity Manor in both directions. The fare for a one-way trip will be $0.75 cents, without a transfer or layover. The names of the new routes are Chestnut Hills and Sabraton/Mall.

The Authority is very excited about this service trial. These new routes are in response to several passenger and community requests. However, it will be essential that the service is used if it is to continue, so please tell your friends and neighbors and ride the bus! Copies of schedules are available upon request (291-RIDE), and available on-line at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

Bill George and Joe Shultz Named Drivers of the Month 4/12/01

April 12, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Drivers of the Month, Mr. Bill George and Mr. Joe Shultz. Mr. Bill George and Mr. Joe Shultz were the top performers of the 26 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in March. Performance evaluations included areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to fellow drivers and maintaining route schedules just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. George since its inception in July of 1996. Before being employed by the Authority, Mr. George served the public as a Driver for the city of Morgantown's Transit System beginning in February of 1990. Mr. Shultz has also been employed by the Authority, as a part-time Driver, since 1996. Mr. Shultz worked for City of Morgantown's Transit System as a part-time Driver beginning in November 1992 and is currently employed as a full time driver for the Monongalia County Board of Education. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in March were Clyde Lowe, Curtis Jenkins, and Terry Lewis.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Mountain Line Creates Citizens Advisory Committee

April 4, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority has created a Citizen's Advisory Committee to provide and foster meaningful public and user input to Mountain Line Administration and Mountain Line's Board of Directors. The role of the CAC will be to assist in the planning and monitoring of Mountain Line services, review any proposed changes in schedules, routes and other service aspects directly affecting bus system users. The CAC will be comprised of 21 members representing a broad spectrum of community interests. 10 of its members will be appointed by agencies representing business, tourism, persons with disabilities and the like with the remaining 11 members to be appointed from Mountain Line's current ridership.

Persons interested in serving a two-year term on the CAC are encouraged to call for an application at 291-RIDE or fill out an on-line application at http://www.busride.org. The CAC will meet on the third Wednesday of each month at a time to be decided by the Committee. All meetings of the CAC will be open to the public. For a complete copy of the CAC bylaws or more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority call 291-RIDE (7433) or visit our web page at WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

Clyde Lowe Named February Driver of the Month

March 15, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Clyde Lowe. Mr. Lowe was selected as Driver of the Month based on his top performance rating in the month of February. Mr. Lowe was one of 24 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to his fellow drivers and maintaining his route schedule just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Lowe since its inception in July of 1996. Before being employed by the Authority, Mr. Lowe served the public as a Driver for the City of Morgantown's Transit System beginning in April of 1990. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in February were Don Cummings, Curtis Jenkins, Terry Lewis and Bernie Cordray.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

Don Cummings Named January Driver of the Month

February 15, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Don Cummings. Mr. Cummings was selected as Driver of the Month based on his top performance rating in the month of January. Mr. Cummings was one of 24 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to his fellow drivers and maintaining his route schedule just to name a few. The Authority has employed Mr. Cummings since March of 2000. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in January were Clyde Lowe, Jim Huffman, Curtis Jenkins and John Hemerick.

For more information about the Mountain Line Transit Authority, call 291-RIDE (7433).

February Board Meeting Time Changed

February 5, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority has changed the regular meeting time of their February Board Meeting. The Board Meeting will be held at 12:00 noon, Wednesday February 14, 2001. Meetings are held in downtown Morgantown at the Authority's Depot and Offices located at 185 Garrett Street. All Board meetings are open to the public. For more information, please call (304) 291-7433 or visit WWW.BUSRIDE.ORG

Consultant's Study Complete

January 29, 2001: The Transportation Specialists Firm of Jenkins and Quinn has completed their review of ADA transportation services provided by the Monongalia County Urban Mass Transit Authority (Mountain Line). A complete copy of the report is available at the Morgantown Public Library or interested parties may request a copy by calling (304) 291-7433.

Section 5311 Funding Application - PUBLIC HEARING

January 19, 2001: Notice is hereby given that the Monongalia County Urban Mass Transportation Authority (MCUMTA), located at 185 Garrett Street, Morgantown, WV 26505, is applying for a grant under the 49 U.S.C. Section 5311. MCUMTA serves all of Monongalia County with public, deviating fixed route transportation services. A general description of the grant proposal is as follows: MCUMTA is requesting the Grant Funds up to $600,000 to be shared with 50 percent Federal Grant Monies and 50 percent Local Match. If funded, this grant will assist in providing daily public transportation operations eligible under this grant program. In addition, should any 49 U.S.C. Section 5311 capital funds become available, purchased equipment might include, but not limited to: buses, vans or other accessible vehicles, radios and communication equipment, passenger shelters, wheelchair lifts and restraints, computer hardware/software, spare parts or other components and other durable goods. Persons interested in holding a public hearing regarding the possible procurement of capital equipment must submit a written request within 15 days of the date of this notice. No persons, families or businesses will be displaced by this project.

The proposed project will not have a significant environmental impact on the service area. MCUMTA has taken into consideration the needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities in establishing service routes and schedules. The purposes of the notice is to afford affected citizens, private transportation providers and other interested agencies an early opportunity to examine the proposal and offer comments, and/or recommendations on the overall scope of the proposed project. The grant proposal will be available for public inspection and comments fort 15 days from the original publication date of this Notice on January 19, 2001, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the MCUMTA Offices located at 185 Garrett Street.

For further information and/or submission of comments, please contact David A. Bruffy, General Manager, 185 Garrett Street, Morgantown, WV 26505, telephone (304) 291-7433 or email suggest@busride.org. Additionally, copies of comments may be sent to the following: Director, WV Division of Public Transportation, Bldg. 5, Rm.830 Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd., E., Charleston, WV 25305-0432.

Roy Hunt Named December Driver of the Month

January 11, 2001: The Mountain Line Transit Authority is pleased to announce its Driver of the Month, Mr. Roy Hunt. Mr. Hunt was selected as Driver of the Month based on his top performance rating in the month of December. Mr. Hunt was one of 22 drivers evaluated for daily work performance in areas such as demonstrated driving skills, safety, public relations, assistance to his fellow drivers and maintaining his route schedule just to name a few. Mr. Hunt was also noted for his outstanding performance as Driver of the Month in October of this year. Other Drivers noted for outstanding performance in December were Curtis Jenkins, Clyde Lowe, Steve Holt, and Don Cummings.