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The fare-free transit service announced by Chapel Hill Transit and Carolina
administrators last fall will arrive on Jan. 2, 2002, and other transportation
improvements also are on the way.
With fare-free transit, cash payments, coupon remissions and the display of bus
passes will no longer be required to board regularly scheduled Chapel Hill
Transit buses. Fares still will be charged for use of Tar Heel Express transit
service to campus sporting and entertainment events.
Along with free rides, transit users next year will see a number of modified
routes and new routes designed to improve bus service. (See end of story for
details.)
"The new fare-free transit system, as well as the improvements and additions to
existing routes, are critical to the University's long-term transportation
strategy," said Carolyn Elfland, associate vice chancellor for campus services.
"Transportation service continues to be a number one priority as we look to
provide improved commuting options for students, faculty and staff. Without
these improvements, we could not successfully move forward with the
University's Development Plan."
Debby Freed, Carolina's Transportation Demand Management coordinator, echoed
that sentiment.
"The abolition of fares, in conjunction with route and scheduling enhancements,
should boost Chapel Hill Transit ridership in the coming year and help reduce
traffic and parking congestion," said Freed, who joined the Carolina staff last
summer. "This, in turn, should help make the UNC campus and Chapel Hill more
transit, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly. I feel fortunate to come to UNC at a
time when such a priority is being placed on transit and transportation
issues."
To help get the improvements rolling, the University is increasing its
contribution to the transit system from just under $2 million annually to just
over $4 million.
"The implementation of fare-free transit is a result of excellent cooperation
between the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the University and will benefit
the entire community," Elfland said.
Mary Lou Kuschatka, Chapel Hill transit director, called it "an exciting time
for transit in the community."
"Fare-free service will help make transit a way of life for the community," she
said. "It is a positive time for transit, and we're up for the challenge."
Carolina students and employees with valid 2001-02 UNC parking permits who want
to take advantage of the new fare-free service to campus will receive a
prorated refund for their cancelled parking permits.
Other improvements also on the way in 2002
Numerous service-improving changes to Chapel Hill Transit bus routes
will take effect Jan. 7, 2002. Changes include:
New routes
• The EU route will serve the law school and Institute of Government
on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will provide transportation along
South Road, Raleigh Street, Franklin Street, Pittsboro Street, Stadium Drive
and Ridge Road.
• The NU route will serve former riders of the P route, offering service
between the P and PR lots and campus, with stops at the Horney Building, 720/730
Airport Road, UNC Hospitals, east campus residence halls and Franklin Street.
On Sundays, the NU route will serve the PR lot and east campus residence halls
from 4:30 to 11:30 p.m.
• The HU route will serve the Friday Center area to and from campus via
Fordham Boulevard and Manning Drive, with its first stop at Chase Hall. The
route also serves UNC Hospitals and mid-campus before returning to N.C. 54 via
South Road. The HU route serves stops every 10 minutes during peak hours and
every 15 minutes during the mid-day. In combination with the S route, riders
can take advantage of bus service every five minutes during peak hours and every
seven minutes during mid-day hours.
Modified routes
• The M route (Franklin Street/University Mall) will now serve the Chapel
Hill Public Library in addition to its other stops.
• The V route (Southern Village/Carolina/Meadowmont) will add service
to the north side of the Friday Center.
• The A route will run a full-day, 12-hour schedule rather than just
at peak hours.
• The S route will no longer loop around the Carolina Inn but will proceed
directly from South Road, across McCauley Street to Pittsboro Street. All S
routes will pass UNC Healthcare's Administrative Office Building before entering
the N.C. 54 park and ride lot. The S route stops every 10 minutes during peak
hours and every 15 minutes during the midday. In combination with the HU route,
riders can take advantage of bus service every five minutes during peak hours
and every seven minutes during mid-day hours.
For more information about Chapel Hill Transit routes and services, see the
updated Chapel Hill Transit Guide, available on the buses, at many local
merchants and at Department of Public Safety offices. Information also is
available by calling Chapel Hill Transit at 968-2769 or visiting its web site
at http://www.ci.chapel-hill.nc.us/transit/
More information also can be obtained by calling the University's Department of
Public Safety at 962-3951 or by visiting its web site at http://www.dps.unc.edu
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