Tyler Transit to Launch New Bus Routes and Schedules Aug. 15

TYLER — On Monday, Aug. 15, in time for the beginning of the fall school semester, Tyler Transit will launch improved fixed-route bus lines and schedules. Officials say the new routes will feature improved service to Tyler’s higher education institutions, downtown, and the medical district. In addition, the Red Line will now feature two buses providing direct service every 35 minutes.

To help customers become familiar with the new routes and create new itineraries, Tyler Transit staff will be available on Monday, Aug. 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Tyler Fire Station #7, 344 Troup Hwy., next to the transfer point. Residents who are unable to attend either of these sessions may call (903) 533-8057 and a member of Tyler Transit’s staff will be available to help them create their plans over the phone.

“This is the first major route improvement since Tyler Transit started the Yellow Line service in 2001. Since then, major shifts in traffic patterns and developments have made it necessary to improve the routes and update the schedules to ensure that Tyler Transit customers are provided the best possible service,” said Heather Nick, transit manager. “The goals identified in the study include reducing waiting times for buses, reducing the number of transfers required to make a trip, and eliminating delays at the transfer point.”

In 2009, Tyler Transit partnered with the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop a route study. This study was developed with input received from a steering committee whose members include local employers and civic organizations, and input from residents that was gathered at public meetings and from more than 570 questionnaires that were filled out by riders and residents citywide. Findings from the route study were presented to the Tyler City Council in October 2010. Since that time, City staff has developed detailed schedules as well new signs, a redesigned webpage and new brochures to help educate residents about the change.

One of the major changes the new routes will bring is the relocation of the main transfer point to downtown Tyler for four buses: 1 Red, 1A Red (including service to the medical district), 2 Green, and 4 Blue. The main transfer point will be relocated to the Cotton Belt Train Depot, 210 E. Oakwood St. (pictured), where riders may purchase passes, tickets and tokens. The transfer point will also offer amenities including shelters and access to restroom facilities. The Yellow Line, 3 Yellow, will transfer with each route at locations throughout the city including: the University of Texas at Tyler, Broadway Square Mall and the intersection of Walton Road and Frankston Highway. You can visit http://www.tylerbus.org to see new route maps and schedules. Brochures will be made available on all Tyler Transit buses.