GCC to discuss Hall Area Transit Strategic Plan

GAINESVILLE - The Gainesville City Council Thursday is to hear a report on the future of public transporation in Hall County.

The council has set aside 25 minutes its weekly work session for a discussion of the Hall Area Transit Strategic Plan.

The Community Service Center which oversees the operation of public transit in the city and county - including the Red Rabbit Bus System - recently conducted a series of public hearings in conjunction with the development of the plan.

At the Thursday meeting, the council is expected to be presented with a resolution calling for the adoption of the plan.

According to information released earlier this year, the Red Rabbit would run three basic routes covering Gainesville in all directions - one route with two buses, the others with one each to connect residential areas with shopping centers, schools and public facilities.

Interim coordinator Janice Crow has said one reason more people don't ride the Red Rabbit is that the routes are too long.

"People are more willing to hop a bus if it can get them somewhere more direct," she said.

Crow says the new routes give bus passengers that more direct ride.

Community Service Center Director Phillippa Lewis Moss has said that Oakwood - now on a regular Red Rabbit route - would be served by Dial-A-Ride to connect with the fixed routes in Gainesville or for direct transportation.

"Our proposed recommmendation is to pull that fourth route out of Oakwood and to keep the remaining three routes inside the city of Gainesville," Moss said.