Published: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 / Updated: Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 01:43 PM

Rock Hill weighs more public transit options

City could use stimulus money to buy vehicles

Two years after launching a van-on-demand service that has steadily gained ridership, Rock Hill leaders are considering more options.

The city might use federal stimulus money to offer public transportation to working people during peak travel hours. Passengers could reserve rides on three new vehicles that would provide the service.

A decision is needed soon. City transit planners say $1.1 million is available in federal stimulus money, but the deadlines for applying are Dec. 18 and Jan. 31.

Van service proves popular

Rock Hill and York County already provide a van-on-demand service, but it's geared mostly toward seniors who need rides to the doctor's office.

York County started the service in 2006, with Rock Hill joining up a few months later. More than 800 riders per month use the service, up about 30 percent since the program started in late 2006. The program is managed by the York County Council on Aging.

Medical appointments account for 55 percent of ridership, and the top destination is Rock Hill Dialysis Center in the “medical mile” off Constitution Boulevard.

Employment-related travel accounts for 30 percent, but the program is limited in what it can do for working people. Passengers must call two days in advance to reserve rides for one-way fares of $2.50.

Riders can only make reservations for the next two weeks.

Public transit is a touchy issue in Rock Hill. The city's last attempt, a bus service operated by the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, ended in 2001 after being roundly labeled a debacle.

PDRTA, actually the third failed system in the past two decades, was marred by what critics said were poorly advertised stops and schedules during its four-year run.

Supporters believe the success of dial-a-ride has provided a stronger foundation for another try. If City Council members move forward, the added service could start by July, assuming stimulus money gets approved.

Matt Garfield 803-329-4063

TRANSIT IN ROCK HILL

What programs are currently available?

CATS 82X bus service from downtown Rock Hill to Charlotte

CATS 78X bus service along Celanese Road corridor to light rail station in Pineville, N.C.

York County van-on-demand service taking riders anywhere in city or county

What are options for the future?

THE CHEAPEST OPTION

Continue the van-on-demand system, but remove the rule that says passengers can reserve rides no more than two weeks into the future.

COST: Short-term costs would be covered by federal stimulus money. Longer term, the annual budget would be $11,250.

PEAK PERIOD SERVICE

Buy three new vehicles and dedicate them for use by passengers going to and leaving work. Riders would still have to call in advance.

COST: Vehicles could be bought with stimulus money. Longer term, the annual budget would be $15,000 in operating costs.

ESTABLISHED BUS ROUTES

Establish a separate, new service that runs along established routes and makes regular stops around the city.

COST: Short term costs would range between $28,000 and $53,000. Longer term, the annual budget would be $53,000 in operating costs.