By Ann Marie Bush, Topeka Capital-Journal, January 02, 2010
Topeka Transit employees have been working hard to make sure changes taking effect Monday go smoothly, said Janlyn Nesbett-Tucker, Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority chief executive officer.
In an effort to save money, the TMTA board, after months of studying ways to avoid a deficit, decided to make changes in the Sunday and evening service, which will take place today, followed by changes in the fixed-route schedules, which will take place Monday.
"We have an information table at Quincy Street Station," Nesbett-Tucker said. "We have been handing out ride guides. What we plan on doing Monday is having 'street teams' who are afoot at key locations where there is going to be service that is deleted and modified, and then people on buses. We have lots and lots of people."
In fact, 25 supplemental support people were hired to serve on the "street teams," she said. These people went through training classes along with Topeka Transit employees to learn about the changes.
"It's been lots of hours," Nesbett-Tucker said of the process of implementing the changes. "Lots of meetings and conference calls and training. But I think it is absolutely worth it. We want to provide the best service possible. I think we have a great plan, and I'm very encouraged, very excited. I think the public will be, too, once they see what the changes will mean to them as far as convenience."
Last week, David Billam, strategic planner for TMTA, spent several hours at Quincy Street Station and riding buses to help riders understand the changes. He helped pass out new Topeka Transit Ride Guides, too, which explain the rules of riding, the fee, schedules and the new routes.
The changes represent a 15 percent reduction in service, Billam said. There have been 17 routes, including 14 full-fixed routes and three special routes. Beginning Monday, there will be 12 full-fixed routes and three special routes, through a merger of routes.
"We are providing better service to our riders and giving them the same destinations they had before," Billam said. "It should be easier for them to get there. I think after the initial shock of change, people will see it is laid out fairly logical and is easy to use. Whereas before, it was probably a little more complicated than it needed to be."
One of the biggest changes is the combination of the Highland Park and East 6th routes, Billam said. This will provide greater coverage in that area and help people in the community keep their dollars there.
Other changes include a straight route from Quincy Street Station to the Social Security office near S.W. 6th and Wanamaker (people used to have to transfer) and the elimination of two loop routes, which were known as the Gage Wanamaker Loop and the Medical Loop, Billam said.
"We were able to eliminate those routes and still maintain those destinations," he said.
The changes in routes and small changes in service hours — offering Sunday service from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. — will save money, but Nesbett-Tucker said the amount isn't yet known. She said it will take a while to get the exact figures.
Billam estimated it will save about $250,000 in fiscal year 2010, which ends in June.
The new routes will be used for about 30 days, and then there is a possibility for minor changes and tweaks, Billam and Nesbett-Tucker said.
"You never get it exactly right the first time," Billam said.
Nesbett-Tucker said: "I feel like the changes will be minor, but they will still need to take place. We will make sure we notify the public of the next tweaks."
For the most part, Billam and Nesbett-Tucker said, rider comments have been positive.
"I think we will have some folks who will be a little bit fussy," Nesbett-Tucker said. "This is going to be a big change for some people. Change is hard."
Cindy Poe, of Topeka, has been relying on Topeka Transit for many years, she said Thursday morning while waiting for her bus at Quincy Street Station downtown.
"I like the way they are now," she said of the current routes. "I think the new ones are confusing. Everyone is having a fit about it."
In order to help familiarize herself with the new routes, Poe said she will take the time to ride each one. She also said she feels comfortable asking bus operators and staff members.
"They are helpful," she said.
Nesbett-Tucker encourages people with questions to ask bus operators, customer service representatives and people who will be serving on the "street teams." There also is additional information at www.topekatransit.com.
"I think that dialogue is the most important thing," Billam said. "I hope they will see we are out there trying to be responsive to their needs, and hopefully with a smile on our face."
Ann Marie Bush can be reached at (785) 295-1207 or ann.bush@cjonline.com