Bus system sets date for route to Albany, Nelsonville
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Athens Public Transit recently confirmed its new pilot route to Nelsonville and Albany. Line 7 will begin running on Thursday, Aug. 1, according to a news release.
Stops will include the Albany Old School, Lake Snowden and Close to Home in Albany, and Hocking College and Public Square in Nelsonville. Times for each stop are available at athenstransit.org or by calling 740-592-2727.
One-way fares and transfers are a dollar but free with a Bobcat pass. Discount passes for senior citizens and people with disabilities are available at the Athens City Building.
Athens Public Transit is a program of Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP). Currently, the program serves the city of Athens, the Plains and Chauncey. After much input from the community, development from HAPCAP staff, and the support of various community partners, the transit service is now able to reach into the western areas of Athens County.
“We are so excited to be able to expand our services,” Kelly Hatas, executive director of HAPCAP, said in the news release “We know that transportation is a huge barrier to employment, access to services including health care, and other aspects of daily life in our community. Our transportation staff is dedicated to bridging that gap.”
In addition to Athens Public Transit, HAPCAP operates GoBus, Athens On Demand, Athens Mobility Management and Logan Public Transit. Athens Public Transit has grown significantly since 2011, with a 600% increase in ridership. In 2018 alone, they served over 500,000 riders.
HAPCAP is extending an invitation for community partners, the press, elected officials, and the public to attend ribbon cuttings on the morning of Wednesday, July 31. Times and locations will be announced at a later date.
Funding for Line 7 is provided by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, Integrated Behavioral Health, Hopewell Health, Sister’s Health Foundation, Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Athens County Commissioners, Athens County Job & Family Services, the city of Nelsonville, the Village of Albany, the Athens County Foundation, and Stuart’s Opera House.
For more information on the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Athens Public Transit, or any of HAPCAP’s programs, call Claire Gysegem, public relations manager at 740-767-4500 or email claire.gysegem@gmail.com.
