LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) will be delaying the implementation of its upcoming service changes due to unforeseen software integration problems with its new vehicle location system, officials announced.
Instead of Monday, June 29, the new service changes will take effect July 27, 2015.
The delay will provide technicians with the time they need to work out glitches.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause passengers who may have already planned their personal schedules to accommodate the new service changes,” stated Interim Executive Director Len Engel.
AVTA’s upcoming service revisions will focus on improving route directness, reducing travel time and improving schedule frequency. The AVTA board of directors voted unanimously to approve the recommendations at its meeting on May 26.
The changes are also designed to prepare for a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project that will connect Palmdale to Lancaster with express service. In order to do this, some of AVTA’s existing bus routes must be re-arranged to create a new Route 1 that serves more passengers and more destinations, a key component to making AVTA competitive when applying for grant funding to build a BRT. As a result, Routes 2 & 3 will now service Avenue R and Avenue S, respectively.
Changes to the Commuter Service include adding additional runs and adjusting time schedules to help even out passenger levels. All of the changes will maintain the frequency and connectivity along current routes that customers are accustomed to.
AVTA’s board of directors also approved a fare restructuring plan, which includes a new reduced fare of 75 cents for seniors and people with disabilities. Commuter fares will also be adjusted and the TAP card discount will be eliminated.
The transit system is also rolling out a new Rider Relief Program to provide income eligible customers with coupons to discount the price of a monthly bus pass. AVTA will implement the new fare schedule Sept. 1, 2015.
Details of all service changes and fare restructuring can be found at www.avta.com.
[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.]
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