Kokomo — Local radio personality Allan James and Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight are expected to be among the dignitaries gathered for Kokomo’s first public bus ride in more than 40 years Tuesday, and Kokomo is abuzz over the new red-and-green trolleys.
The approximate bus schedule, showing when the bus will hit the major stops, is out, and the questions are flying in from potential riders.
With those frequently asked questions in mind, the following answers have been compiled based on information provided by City Line Director Tammy Corn.
Q: How much does the bus cost?
A: The bus is free until at least the end of the year, when city officials will review their ridership figures. The hope is that so many people ride the bus that the federal government provides additional funding. Most of the City Line’s operating budget comes from the feds, and there are also concerns charging will decrease ridership.
Q: Where will the bus stop?
A: There are more than 100 designated stops, which we’ve provided in a comprehensive list. However, not all of those stops will have signs immediately. Until all of the bus stop signs are up, city officials encourage anyone wishing to ride the bus to stand along the route and simply flag the bus down. The drivers have been trained to patiently answer questions about where the bus is going, or what bus to take to get to a certain place.
Q: Can the bus pick up handicapped individuals?
A: Yes. The buses all have wheelchair lifts, and all of the stops are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. That means all of the stops are next to flat areas easily accessible to someone in a wheelchair.
Q: How do you tell the driver where to let you off?
A: A rider can tug on a cord located just above the windows, to alert the driver you need to get off at the next stop. Buses typically don’t halt at certain stops unless there are riders waiting to be picked up, or someone on the bus needs to get off there. So it’s actually expected of riders to alert the driver.
Q: When does the bus run?
A: Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bus should come by each stop once every hour.
Q: What do I do if I need public transportation and the bus isn’t running?
A: Call the Coordinating Council office at 765-456-2336 to learn more about the First City Rider and Senior Bus programs. First City Rider is a subsidized cab ride program; the Senior Bus is available to senior citizens living in Kokomo.
Q: Can anyone ride the bus?
A: Very young children must be accompanied by an adult, but yes, anyone can ride the bus, regardless of whether you live in the city, the county, or outside the county.
Q: The bus doesn’t go close to where I need to go. What can I do?
A: City officials will closely monitor comments from the public to determine if certain needs aren’t being met by the bus service. Suggestions for additional stops will be considered, and they’ll consider whether certain stops should be kept if they aren’t attracting enough riders.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Tammy Corn is the director of the Senior Center in Foster Park, and will head the bus service. She and city staff will monitor calls to the City Line hotline, 765-456-7388. Her e-mail address is tcorn@cityofkokomo.org. Brochures on the City Line are available at the Senior Center, at City Hall, and at the United Way of Howard County office.
• Scott Smith is a Kokomo Tribune staff writer. He may be reached at 765-454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com
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