Proposes changes to Dial-a-Ride service
Metro Bus will share its proposed changes to Dial-a-Ride service during one of four public input meetings held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22 at Sartell City Hall.
Metro Bus is proposing a change in Dial-a-Ride service hours to match those of the fixed route. The proposal eliminates Dial-a-Ride service after 9 p.m. on weekdays and in the 10 Westwood and 12 Route 75 fixed route areas on weekends.
This change would allow Metro Bus to provide more rides during the weekday, when demand for specialized service rider travel is greater, while staying within budget and complying with federal regulations.
If approved, these proposed changes will take effect this fall.
The three other public meetings will be held as follows: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23 and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28 at the St. Cloud Public Library; and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Sauk Rapids Middle School (enter door #1).
Interested citizens and agencies are invited to share comments at one of the meetings or in writing prior to the meetings. Mail written comments to: St. Cloud Metro Bus, 665 Franklin Avenue NE, St. Cloud, MN 56304 or e-mailed to info@stcloudmtc.com.
Metro Bus is required by federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act to do the following: provide Dial-a-Ride service to individuals whose disabilities prevent them from riding fixed route buses; operate comparable hours and service area as fixed route; and meet rider trip requests that do not result in excessive trip denials.
Dial-a-Ride currently goes above and beyond federal requirements by operating longer than most fixed routes on weekdays and in areas where fixed routes do not operate on weekends.