RSSChanges are coming to Union Gap bus system
Pasco outfit will take over management Dec. 1, but differences will be slightYakima Herald-Republic
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When Union Gap begins using a new bus provider Dec. 1, riders will notice a few service changes.
The cost to ride is free -- for everyone; the bus will no longer go to the Yakima Transit Center; and people will be able to ride to Ahtanum Youth Park for the first time.
Other than that, Public Works Director Dennis Henne said riders won't notice too many differences.
"Everything worked out," he said. Riders "will see very little change."
Wanting the most bang for its buck, the Union Gap City Council voted this summer to change from Yakima Transit to T.C. Transportation, which has a small fleet of buses that can accommodate 12 passengers and two wheelchair-bound passengers.
The Pasco-based company submitted the lowest of four bids at $233,760, which covers transportation costs for a year. The service is being funded by a voter-approved sales tax increase passed last November.
Switching to a new provider means the route will be shortened from 45 minutes to 30 minutes, Henne said. Although buses will no longer go to the Yakima Transit Center at the intersection of Fourth and Chestnut streets, several transfer spots will be found between Third and 10th avenues along Washington Avenue.
Another transfer spot near Miner's Drive-In Restaurant at the intersection of Main and South First streets will take riders directly to Yakima's transit center, Henne said. All transfer spots are at existing bus stops and are signed.
Union Gap's bus schedule will run about 10 minutes behind that of Yakima's to minimize wait times for people making transfers. However, riders will have to pay a regular fare once boarding a Yakima bus, Henne said.
Mayor Jim Lemon and Yakima Transit Manager Ken Mehin said they're working together to ensure the switch in providers is as seamless as possible. Yakima's Dial-A-Ride service for seniors and the disabled will also continue without interruption, despite earlier talks about it no longer venturing into Union Gap.
Union Gap's bus service will run Mondays through Saturdays and includes Dial-A-Ride service. It passes such sites as the Valley Mall, the state Department of Transportation's Office and the expanded Kiwanis Park facility.
* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or at esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.
Bus route
? Updated bus schedules will be made available at City Hall and the post office in Union Gap beginning Wednesday. For more information about T.C. Transportation, to ask for a bus schedule or to inquire about Dial-A-Ride service, call 574-8000.
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