Public Comment Underway For Local Transit Expansion Projects

Douglas County would receive $1.6 million for the next three years to start its own transit system. The county would contribute $400,000.

Gary Watson, Douglas County’s transportation director, said the county has already changed its plans based on recent public feedback.

“We designed our routes to avoid old, historical areas of Douglasville,” Watson said. “We’re still able to serve locations that we felt were necessary, such as the health center and the library.”

The commission’s plan also sets aside $3.75 million in funding for the next three years for Gwinnett County to expand hours of operation for its transit system.

As part of the new operation schedule, buses would run until midnight during the week and reduce wait times between stops.

Cobb County would receive $1.36 million for the next three years to operate its bus system on Sundays. It currently runs Monday through Saturday.

John Orr, manager of the commission’s transportation access and mobility division, said there is a need for increased service.

“There has been a significant amount of studies, and they have indicated that there is a need for increasing transit services, both the frequency of buses and the hours of operation,” Orr said.

Cobb County officials said the Sunday buses would operate on a weekend schedule with fewer stops and routes.

Cobb County officials said the Sunday stops could become part of the normal schedule as early as next summer.