September 21, 2022 – The Decatur City Council on Monday authorized the Decatur Public Transit System to expand its services, including things such as adding Sunday service and extending hours later into the evening.
DPTS currently operates fixed-route and paratransit services Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and on Saturdays 6:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. According to the City, transit staff plans to implement a one-year pilot program to provide transit services on Sundays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. DPTS is seeking public input on the proposed Sunday routes through a brief survey.
The proposed Sunday service area strategically connects the city’s urban core to all major commercial areas and the two local hospitals. The city says the routes could accommodate individuals who work on the weekends, or who choose to shop for groceries and other supplies on this day. Stops include all three Decatur Kroger stores and both Walmart locations.
The City Council also agreed to let DPTS explore extending service hours later into the evening, as was already budgeted for before COVID-19. Additionally, transit can continue preparation of possibly adding micro-transit and micro-mobility services in the future.
Funding to bring Sunday routes into service and to expand hours into the evening would come from a combination of regular rider fees and state and federal operations grants. It would not result in an increase to current bus fares. If added, Sunday bus fares would be the same as M-Sat fares.
