Latest news with #Metrobus


CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Would you take the bus to Bell Island? Metro-area mayors want your input
Several communities along Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula coast are banding together to explore creating their own public transit system. The municipalities that make up the Killick Coast — Torbay, Bauline, Flatrock, Bell Island, Pouch Cove, Portugal Cove–St. Philip's, and Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove — have launched a feasibility study into the proposed project. "The main focus is going to be about connecting our communities together in this area," Torbay Mayor Craig Scott told CBC. Scott says residents of his town have historically expressed interest in a public transit system. The town even explored joining the Metrobus system, which serves St. John's, Mount Pearl and Paradise areas, but that didn't make financial sense at the time. Scott says Torbay is now exploring a public transit system in tandem with the metro-area municipalities, however. "It has to be a partnership between everyone if it's going to work," he said. But a project of that size, he adds, requires public input about what people are willing to pay and what routes they're interested in having. There's an online survey available for people to fill out and copies in participating town offices, he said, as well as upcoming public information sessions. "It's crucial that we understand exactly what type of system that our residents need. This is not meant to be something that's gonna probably bring people back and forth to work. It's more about connecting our communities together and connecting us to the City of St. John's Metrobus system," said Scott. He added the feedback they get will also influence how long it could take to roll out a public transit system. "The stronger the case we have, and the interest that we have from residents, the more likely that that will move forward quickly," he said.


The Citizen
23-07-2025
- The Citizen
Joburg moves to shut down illegal bus ranks in CBD
Joburg officials and transport stakeholders are working to shut down illegal bus stations disrupting CBD order and public safety. The City of Johannesburg is working around the clock to address the troubling issue of illegal bus ranks and stations in the city's central business district (CBD). Benny Makgoga, the city's director of marketing and communications, revealed their plan while responding to the transport sector. Players in the sector had raised concerns about the dangers and negative impact posed by the illegal bus stations that have emerged in the city. JIFI constructed to relocate illegal bus ranks 'The City of Joburg has fully constructed the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) facility in the Joburg CBD for the relocation of all informal bus ranks and stations. 'The relocation process that involves a public participation process and direct engagements with the transport stakeholders is currently in place,' said Makgoga. ALSO READ: Call on Joburg to act on illegal bus stations 'The finalisation and conclusion of the relocation process of the informal bus ranks and bus stations to Johannesburg International Transport Interchange will provide action to close all informal facilities.' Even though Makgoga said they were fighting against the problem, he conceded that it was difficult for the city to manage and control informal bus operations that have occupied spaces throughout the CBD. It is for this reason that the city has constructed one centralised Johannesburg International Transport Interchange facility for proper management and control of bus operations in the CBD, he said. Accessible and convenient public facility 'JITI is an accessible and convenient public facility for long-distance and cross-border transport and will enable commuters to connect to the other public transport services such as Rea Vaya BRT, Metrobus, Gautrain, local minibus taxis and buses at Park Station.' African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association chair Phumudzo Mukhwathi was one leading member of the organisations that had been calling on the government to address the problem. ALSO READ: Six killed in school bus bombing in SW Pakistan Mukhwathi said there were two illegal bus stations in Braamfontein and another one near Park Station. He said the illegitimate facilities were being owned and operated by Zimbabwean nationals who collaborated with some prominent local figures. 'We will be happy if the government attend to our request and make sure that these illegal operations are closed down because they are interrupting businesses that operate legitimately. Many illegal activities taking place 'To tell you the truth, there are many illegal and criminal activities taking place there. 'We have been fighting against this for so many years, but the authorities seem not to be serious about dealing with it. ALSO READ: Rea Vaya: Saftu calls for govt to protect transport industry 'We are planning to take the legal route to force them to attend to the matter,' said Mukhwathi. He said he was worried that the owners of the problematic facilities were operating in public without any fear. 'This is unfair competition because there are no rules in the illegal bus stations and we were also reliably informed that some of the buses using these stations are transporting illegal things from South Africa to Zimbabwe,' he said. Union investigates matter Mukhwathi said there were allegations last year that some of the buses were using fraudulent permits and they had alerted the police. South African Transport and Allied Workers Union spokesperson Amanda Tshemese promised her organisation would also investigate the matter and work with relevant authorities to address it. ALSO READ: Relief as bus strike in North West ends 'You can't have illegal companies or immigrants operating in South Africa when you have millions of South Africans who are unemployed,' said Tshemese.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metro increases service, offers fare-free rides for July 4
WASHINGTON () — Heading to see fireworks on the National Mall this Fourth of July? Metro has you covered. To celebrate America's 249th birthday, Metro will be ramping up its services, and fares will be free on the evening of July 4. The fare-free trips on , Metrobus and MetroAccess will start at 5 p.m. and go until close, according to a news release from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Meanwhile, Metro will increase service to rush hour levels on all trains in the afternoon to help people get to their Independence Day celebrations. 'What better way to celebrate America's birthday than with free fares on America's Metro System,' said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. 'We are proud to serve residents, families from across the United States, and global guests visiting the National Capital Region.' Major Metrobus changes rollout begin Sunday If you're taking Metrorail to festivities on the National Mall, WMATA encourages travelers to avoid using multiple lines or transfers in order to reduce crowding. Riders should also consider using a station other than Smithsonian, which may become crowded, WMATA noted. The following stations are within short walking distance of Smithsonian:To ring in the celebration, WMATA is also debuting its special July 4-themed buses and trains Monday, decked out in fireworks and the phrase, 'We The People Ride Together.' Click for more information on ways to ride the Metro. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Metrobus riders prepare for new route changes, names starting Sunday
The live conference has ended. Stay tuned for full conference. WASHINGTON () — Big changes are on the way for Metrobus riders. Starting Sunday, June 29, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) will launch its long-anticipated Better Bus Network, which brings entirely new routes, names, and more frequent service across the D.C. region. The overhaul is part of Metro's effort to simplify the system and improve reliability for riders. On Thursday, Metro employees passed out pamphlets at the Anacostia Metro Station informing riders of the change. There were also several signs around the metro station. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | WMATA prepares to launch Better Bus Network, eliminate 500 underutilized bus routes Starting Sunday, routes will begin with letters to help identify their regional coverage: A for Arlington/Alexandria C (Crosstown) and D (Downtown) for Washington, D.C. F for Fairfax City, Fairfax County, and Falls Church M for Montgomery County P for Prince George's County Limited-stop routes will end with an 'X' While some riders appreciate the effort to improve service, others are wary of the change. 'I don't like it and they need to keep it the same way,' one rider said. Another, Thelma Sweetney, who rides the bus daily, shared mixed feelings. 'I don't really like it, but change is good and I have to learn to deal with it,' said Sweetney. 'I'll be ready for Monday I'll work with it.' To find your updated bus names and route, click here. Montgomery County's Ride On and Prince George's County's TheBus systems will also undergo adjustments starting Sunday and Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Major Metrobus changes rollout begin Sunday
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Metrobus service will change Sunday, June 29, as the system's 'Better Bus Network' is said to offer enhanced service, with roughly five percent fewer stops to improve speed and reliability. But mixed reviews from those who rely on Metrobus the most to get around the DMV. 'I hope I wake up on time to make it to work on time, and the buses aren't late,' said Monique Smith as she waited for her bus at the Fort Totten Metro Station. Metrobus riders prepare for new route changes, names starting Sunday She rides the buses daily. 'Change comes, and you just go with… the flow. I'm used to it,' Smith said. Metrobus operator, WMATA, calls the revised system the biggest redesign in its history. More than 500 underused or dangerous stops will be eliminated, and some new routes added. Every stop will also be renamed with a new number and letter, like 'D' for downtown 'C' for cross town. 'I don't really like it,' said Metro passenger Joan Garriel. His concern is not just passengers getting confused by the new routes. He's also upset about the eliminated bus stops—including his. 'I had to walk up a while to get to the next bus stop,' Garriel said. Metrobus says staff will be on hand for the next week to answer any questions from riders Fares will not increase when the revised service goes into effect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.