Changes to Topeka bus routes scheduled to go into effect in December will be delayed for at least two weeks to allow for planning of new routes, the Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority said Tuesday.
TMTA in October announced bus routes would be reduced to cut service by more than 15 percent in order to meet budget restrictions. TMTA said Tuesday it would delay changes to allow for additional planning.
"We have decided to postpone the changes in order to make certain that the routes we will be operating will need the fewest number of tweaks," TMTA strategic planner David Billam said.
TMTA said its staff is meeting with stakeholders and social services groups to spread word about the postponed upcoming modifications. A public outreach effort is expected as soon as the agency settles on the final implementation date.
"We are being cautious," said Janlyn Nesbett-Tucker, chief executive officer of TMTA. "We don't want to get caught with incomplete plans. I think our passengers will understand and appreciate this mindful effort as we mull over the final details of this significant change and wrap up some loose ends."
TMTA said future cost-saving measures, such as fare adjustments and partner relationships, are on tap as the agency navigates its way through a budget deficit.