[Nfbmo] Google Transit now available to CU of Springfield MO Transit riders and transit ridership shows growth

[Horchem Gary]

February 24, 2011


Transit ridership shows growth 

CU Transit Services experienced an increase in ridership of
approximately four percent in the first four months of fiscal year 2011.
In the same time period of October through January, 2011 had just over
19,000 additional riders. During January, ridership was 115,214 compared
to January of 2010 with ridership of 105,049. 

Work continues on the third feasibility study for a location to build a
new bus transfer station. The study is expected to be complete in the
next few weeks. 

Google Transit™ now available to CU Transit riders 

City Utilities' Transit riders can now plan their trips in advance with
the assistance of Google Transit™. The internet-based planning service
allows customers to locate start and stop points along the routes that
they wish to travel on the CU Transit system. 

"Partnering with Google is one more way that CU Transit is working to
improve service to passengers," said Carol Cruise, Director of Transit.
"Passengers want innovative, technologically advanced and easy ways to
get information, and that's what Google Transit™ provides." 

The service was created at no cost to CU. Google Transit™ uses
scheduling data supplied by CU Transit. 

To plan a CU Transit trip, go to google.com, select "Maps," then select
"Get Directions." A menu bar provides options including public transit,
walking and bicycling. The public transit link is always an option when
driving directions are requested. 

Riders also may plan their trips using Google Maps smart phone
applications or by going to
http://www.cityutilities.net/transit/transit.htm, then entering their
starting and ending locations. An itinerary for the trip will quickly be
generated. 

For additional information, visit the CU Transit website at
www.cityutilities.net or call 831-8782. 

About CU Transit 

In 2010, CU Transit Services provided over 1.4 million rides to
customers. A fleet of 25 standard buses and five demand-response
(para-transit) buses currently serve the system.