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Ride requesting one of improvements coming to Washington Co. transit system

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Washington County officials are looking at ways to improve their public transit system.

Plans include a new transit center and the possibility of a ride request service, similar to Uber and Lyft.

The aim of the five-year plan is to improve public transportation in the county.

Public input from riders helped shape the plan that's focusing on improving bus service and attracting new riders.

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"In the last six months, we have been really trying to tackle what the needs are and put together some ideas," said Sheila Gombita, executive director with the Washington County Transportation Authority.

The group partnered with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and Washington County Commissioners to develop the plan.

Short term recommendations involve the redesign of the current metro and county line bus services.

"So our short-term plan, which will probably be immediate within the next year, we are looking at adding routes into the Mon Valley area," Gombita said.

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Medium-term recommendations can be done immediately, pending funding.

They include adding a transit center in downtown Canonsburg, adding real-time arrival displays, maps and schedules at major bus stops and adding subsidized low-cost shared ride service across the entire county.

Looking long-term, they want to replace local fixed routes with on-demand micro transit – something they describe to Channel 11 as being similar to Uber or Lyft.

"Setting up a 3-mile perimeter around the city of Washington and Canonsburg area, allowing people to use their smart phones to schedule their transportation," Gombita said.

Public comment will be accepted until June 8 with the final plan expected to be complete by June 30.

 

Cox Media Group

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