TRPTA moving toward fixed routes

If you’re one of the many folks around Idaho Falls who rely on TRPTA to get you around town, changes may be coming your way.

The public transportation organization is looking to switch over to fixed rather than deviated routes to pick up its patrons.

Instead of the main buses picking passengers up at home, they’ll run a regular route to public checkpoints.

It’s still just in its infancy, but if all goes according to plan TRPTA will make some big changes by October.

A.T. Stoddard, a transportation consultant, flew in from Colorado Springs to brainstorm with Idaho Falls City Council Tuesday morning and attend a community feedback meeting on the subject.

“We really got a good feel for what some of the issues are and things we need to look at,” said Stoddard.

Amanda Ely with TRPTA said they’ve hired Stoddard and his transportation company to better meet the needs of those they serve. They’ve recently had some concerns pop up.

“Some of our stops aren’t on time or people have to wait a long time to catch the bus,” said Ely.

They’re looking to streamline the system and Stoddard has done it for dozens of cities.

“It is more reliable because the bus doesn’t deviate off that route,” said Stoddard.

To compensate for those main buses sticking to regular routes, TRPTA will have to send other vehicles to make out-of-the way stops.

In the long run, the city could end up paying more.

“Sometimes there’s a trade-off in the operating costs,” said Stoddard.

This plan is still in it’s very preliminary stages. Ely said there will be more public meetings in the upcoming months.

TRPTA needs your input on the fixed-route schedule.

You can call Amanda Ely directly at 535-0356 ext. 110 or go to www.trpta.org.