Date:

May 8, 2008

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Larry Worth, StarTran Transit Manager, 441-7185

Mayor Chris Beutler today encouraged the public to attend one of the open houses planned over the next few weeks to find out more about StarTran’s route changes which take effect June 5. He also said more changes are on the horizon for the City’s transit system.

“I want to make StarTran work for the entire community,” said Beutler. “I will do whatever it takes to make our public transportation system a model of service and efficiency. Change is imminent.”

The Mayor said the schedule changes are the result of a comprehensive study and were developed with valuable input from StarTran patrons. “We believe the new route system will be more efficient, provide better connections, reduce transfers and improve overall service.”

Beutler said more ideas and improvements are on the way. “I intend to explore the cost effectiveness of smaller buses,” he said. “I will seriously examine the impact of fairly dramatic changes in the fare schedules to encourage greater ridership.”

Beutler said residents indicated that public transportation was important during the recent “PRIORITY LINCOLN” process to gather public input on the City budget. “They indicated to us that they value public transportation and the important role it plays in the community,” said Beutler. “But they were equally adamant that they wanted greater efficiency. I heard a real concern about the cost effectiveness of operating buses that too often run nearly empty for significant portions of the day. I share those concerns.”

StarTran has planned ten open houses to provide new route brochures and answer questions. Two radio broadcasts are planned for the first day of the new routes. (See schedules here.) While supplies last, StarTran will offer one free pre-validated pass to each person attending an open house or radio event.

“We hope to see many current and future StarTran patrons at these events,” said Larry Worth, StarTran Transit Manager. “With gas prices continuing to climb, more and more people are considering StarTran. We hope they will use the free passes to give StarTran a try.”

Worth said improvements include more frequent service on key routes, improved schedules, service to locations near Highway 2 on the City’s east side, new downtown routing, new neighborhood routes and a free downtown shuttle. Two main downtown route transfer stations will be added:

• In addition to the existing 11th and “N” Street transfer station, a new station will be added on the north side of “N” Street between 10th and 11th streets.
• In addition to the existing transfer station on 14th Street west of the State Office Building, a new transfer station will be added on the north side of that building.

For more information, call StarTran at 476-1234 or see the City Web site at lincoln.ne.gov (keyword: startran). The phone line will operate 24 hours a day through the end of June.

• Wednesday, May 14 - 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Energy Square, 11th and “O” streets
• Thursday, May 15 - 4 to 6 p.m., Union College Ortner Center, 48th and Prescott
• Monday, May 19 - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Energy Square, 11th and “O” streets
• Wednesday, May 21 - 11 a.m. to1 p.m and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Energy Square, 11th and “O” streets
• Thursday, May 29 - 4 to 6 p.m., Nebraska Wesleyan McDonald Theatre, 51st and Huntington
• Monday, June 2 - 4 to 6 p.m., Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior Street
• Wednesday, June 4 - 4 to 6 p.m., Beattie Elementary, 19th and Calvert

Live Radio Remote Broadcasts Thursday, June 5:

• 96 KX (96.9 FM) - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gold’s Building, 11th and “N” streets
• KFOR (1240 AM) - 4 to 6 p.m., State Office Building, 14th and “M” streets