One recently established program has already proven an asset in bridging the gap between downtown and hilltop merchants. Last year, the program conducted 17,524 trips, with 2,716 in December 2000. The program operates two vehicles on a fixed route. Specific points are selected as route destinations, with possibly one or two additional stops in between. The vehicles run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Riders can also call ahead to schedule a pickup at any location near the established route.
During special events, the vehicles may operate on additional days and hours. Passengers age 60 and over, disabled riders and children under 12 pay half price. Children under 5 are free. These are people who otherwise would have no transportation to downtown, and they are using it for basic needs, Schafer said. A lot of them are using it to shop at downtown businesses or to go to work downtown.