Traverse City Record-Eagle

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January 27, 2012

BATA work to aid fixed routes

TRAVERSE CITY — Renovations to BATA's Cass Road facility will help the transit authority increase the number of fixed routes it offers as part of a plan to expand service in the region.

BATA unveiled a strategic plan in November that calls for a revamp of existing routes and services. The plan would trim the number of dial-a-ride services and increase fixed and flexible routes in the region.

The upgrades to the Cass Road location will facilitate the changes, said Carrie Thompson, BATA's business development director.

"We plan on utilizing this as a transfer station more than it is now," Thompson said. "With a lot more traffic, this is just to create a way to bring the two buildings into alignment and make some additional space for people coming through as we change our business model."

The strategic plan also proposes new circulator routes at Northwestern Michigan College and Munson Hospital, which need approval from both groups. BATA continues to work with both NMC and the hospital, and a project plan will be presented to BATA's board next month.

BATA Executive Director Tom Menzel said the strategic plan and upcoming construction show that public entities can accomplish what they set out to do.

"This is part of putting public transit forward as an integral part of a community model," he said.

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