The discussion will continue at a community meeting to collect comments about the BATA fixed routes at 7 p.m. on March 1 at the Traverse Area District Library. Last summer the fixed routes were deemed a temporary pilot program. Glenn Clark, administrative coordinator, said the fixed routes will stay in that way until the city commission is convinced the routes are good for the community. Last week, the city commission approved a 90-day extension of the bus stop signs. Clark said he sees the routes as good for the community.
Many riders see the buses as a vital part of their lives.
Emily Bert and her mother, Jill Bert, chose to take Cherriots to and from work. Emily Bert said she has never owned a car and chooses to walk or take the bus. The buses are great. She said those who are unhappy with the routes, tend to live on route streets. As a city, we need to focus on the positive.