Residents are invited to provide input during a public hearing scheduled for June 4, 2024.
Valley Transit, the public transportation service in the Fox Cities, is proposing changes to its bus service schedules during non-peak service times. The proposed modifications include transitioning from fixed-route buses to utilizing VT Connector, an on-demand micro transit service, after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Currently, VT Connector supplements Valley Transit’s bus service by providing trips when riders live or work outside regular bus route locations or need transportation before or after normal operating hours. Under the new proposal, VT Connector would become the primary mode of public transportation during these non-peak hours, requiring passengers to schedule their rides at least two hours in advance.
This change is anticipated to take effect in mid-July 2024, pending approval from the Fox Cities Transit Commission. A public hearing to discuss the proposed changes is scheduled for June 4, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. at Appleton City Hall in the council chambers located on the 6th floor.
“We see a decline in ridership after 6 p.m. on weekdays and after 1 p.m. on Saturdays,” explained Valley Transit general manager, Ron McDonald. “However, we understand that moving to an on-demand service would be a shift for people, so we would like to hear everyone’s thoughts on this proposed idea. We value the voices of our community as they are the lifeblood of our transit system.”
This also assists with ongoing recruitment challenges; Valley Transit expects these shift changes to attract new drivers to join the Valley Transit team.
Members of the community are invited to express their opinions on the proposed changes at the scheduled public hearing. In addition, written comments submitted to [email protected] or Fox Cities Transit Commission, c/o Valley Transit, 801 S. Whitman Ave., Appleton, WI 54914, will be accepted until June 10, 2024. Any comments or questions submitted will be shared with the Fox Cities Transit Commission and included in the public record.
To learn more about Valley Transit, and the many ways it is providing safe, reliable and equitable service to the Fox Cities, visit myvalleytransit.com.
ABOUT VALLEY TRANSIT
Valley Transit provides safe and reliable transportation to the many communities that make up the Fox Cities including Appleton, Buchanan, Grand Chute, Kaukauna, Kimberly, Little Chute, City of Menasha, Neenah and Fox Crossing. Valley Transit offers an assortment of services to riders in addition to its fixed routes. With 18 bus routes spanning 117 square miles, Valley Transit also offers options for paratransit and demand response services. To learn more about Valley Transit, its discount rates for seniors and students and the services they provide, visit myvalleytransit.com.
