Beginning at 5:50 a.m. Monday, the Liberty Transit system implemented new routes and schedules in the area. The changes came following a strategic planning study conducted March-December 2012 by the Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission.
“Even with the changes, we made sure those who were already using the service will still be able to benefit from the transit,” said Rachel Hatcher, LCPC/HAMPO planning director.
New service areas include Savannah Technical College, South Main Street, Cypress Bend Mobile Home Park, and Barry McCaffrey, Darsey, Glenn Bryant and Shaw roads. To expand the service area, reduced stops will be made at the YMCA, Applebee’s and housing areas on Fort Stewart.
Other changes to the system include reduced evening hours on Fridays and mid-day service gaps for at least two hours during which the system will not run. The transit offices also relocated to the third floor of Hinesville City Hall while the fleet is housed at the Hinesville Public Works facility to centralize city operations and cut costs.
“Going into fiscal year 2013, the goal was to reduce transit operating costs while expanding the service area to meet the needs of our residents who rely on public transportation or could potentially benefit from it,” Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas said. “I believe we have met that goal and hope the transit is more effective and efficient for riders.”