The Paducah Transit System is in need of significant upgrades according to the community development group Progress Paducah. At its meeting this week, discussion involved extending service hours for fixed route transportation, a mobile app to track buses and designated stops, and making more roads accessible to cyclists and pedestrians.
Paducah Transit Authority Director Arthur Boykin says while these changes won’t happen overnight, he’s happy the community values the service.
“Our citizens of Paducah and McCracken County are now realizing the impact a public transportation system has in all of our individuals lives and the impact that it has in the community.” Boykin said.
Boykin said this is the first real conversation that has been had about the suggested upgrades and many of the changes won’t happen overnight.
“Public Transportation as it relates to our fixed route will have to be predetermined and sent off to the state for approval because we will be modifying the hours of service. Secondly, there will be additional cost as we extend those hours so we have to determine how we are going to finance this.” Boykin said.
Paducah Cooperative Ministry representative Candace Melloy says at least half of her clients use public transport and request extended hours.
The bus currently runs between 8:30-4:30, but not from noon to 1, or on Sundays or holidays, when she says her clients need it most. In addition to those concerns, Melloy says a lot of routes need a transfer, which require passengers to go to the bus depot, meaning the fare is doubled.
Currently a single fare is $1. Monthly passes can be purchased for $30 but if a customer purchases that pass in the middle of the month, it is only valid for the rest of that month.
Boykin says PATS has the ability to start the implementation of an App, but would seek outside advice.
Melloy said at the end of the meeting a paper was passed around for people interested in continuing the conversation.
