Bus Talk Newsletter

DECEMBER 2019 - Issue 395

New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, Dec. 31
LTD buses and paratransit will operate on regular Tuesday schedule.
Customer Service: Open 7am - 7pm
Administrative Office: Open 8am - 5pm

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, Jan. 1
LTD buses and paratransit will operate on Sunday schedule.
Customer Service: Open 9am - 5pm
Administrative Office: Closed

Transit Tomorrow Update

Transit Tomorrow is a project looking at the best way to design our transit system to accomplish community goals with the resources available, understanding there are trade-offs. Over the past two years LTD has been engaging with stakeholders and the community to identify and prioritize goals and, as a result of the conversation with the community, have created a proposed transit network that reflects a system focusing 82% of our resources on high ridership corridors.

At the November 20 meeting, the LTD Board reviewed a proposed transit system design that would focus on increased frequency along key corridors. Recognizing that this is a major decision for LTD and the community, the Board asked staff to take additional time for outreach with riders, potential riders, and the broader community.

With additional time for outreach, LTD will reschedule public comment events originally scheduled for December 11 and December 16 to after the first of the year since the holidays present a challenge for people to participate.

Riders and the public are encouraged to review the proposed changes at TransitTomorrow.org

Winter Weather

Be Prepared

It’s time to get prepared for winter weather before it arrives. Check LTD.org or the Rider’s Digest for a blue snowflake symbol displayed on the route. This indicates that on snow or ice days, your route could be delayed or detoured. Standard snow and ice detour maps are available online at LTD.org or at the Customer Service Center at the Eugene Station. When snowy or icy conditions hit our region, up-to-the minute notice will be posted regarding bus routes or detours. The LTD website and Twitter (@LaneTransit) will be updated regularly, and your local news sources will be kept informed, as well.

To learn more, visit LTD.org/Snow-Ice-Information

Winter Service Changes

Winter Service Changes Begin on February 2, 2020

Three times a year, LTD makes route and schedule adjustments to improve service and gain efficiencies. On February 2, 2020, LTD will enhance routes within the system to increase connectivity.

To see the exact changes to your route, go to LTD.org.

McVay EmX Station is Re-Opening

On December 15, 2019, the McVay EmX Stations in Glenwood will re-open for service. In early 2017, the McVay Stations were removed to accommodate the redesign of Franklin Blvd in Glenwood. 

Franklin Blvd. has served as the primary connector between Eugene and Springfield since the bridges over the Willamette River were constructed in the early 1900s. Franklin Blvd. serves as the spine of the EmX, the region’s bus rapid transit system (BRT). Currently serving more than 11,000 riders per day, the system connects residents to 34,821 jobs across the region.

Springfield received funding to construct the first phase of the multiway boulevard. In order to fulfill the definition of a multiway boulevard, and ensure that transit is a strong component of the project, LTD secured a Connect Oregon grant to help fund new stations in this first phase.

Egan Warming Center

Free transportation to Those in Need

When the nights in the Eugene/Springfield area dip below 30 degrees, a coalition of local organizations kick into gear for the sake of this area’s homeless community. Lane Transit District is one of these organizations. LTD has been a partner in this endeavor for the past eight years and provides free rides to those who express interest in being sheltered at an Egan Warming Center.

To receive a free ride to an Egan Warming Center, talk to your driver. The Egan program is administered by St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County. Local media outlets will be alerted as to when the Warming Centers will open and will pass along the information to the community.

For more information, or to volunteer, visit: EganWarmingCenter.com

Monthly Passes will be Available Through TouchPass

If you have not already downloaded the TouchPass mobile app or purchased an electronic tap card, now is the time! As part of LTD’s continued efforts to improve sustainability, all monthly passes will only be available by using the tap card or mobile app, beginning January 1, 2020.
By switching all monthly passes to the TouchPass system, LTD eliminates more than 85,000 non-recyclable monthly passes from going into the landfill each year.

Electronic tap cards are available for $3 at the LTD Customer Service Center (CSC) located at 1080 Willamette St., Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Electronic monthly passes can be purchased at the CSC or through an online account. To use the mobile app, download the ‘TouchPass Transit’ mobile app from the app store, select LTD as the provider, follow steps to set up an account, and purchase your monthly pass.

Learn more about TouchPass: LTD.org/TouchPass  |  CSC 541-687-5555

Stuff the Bus 2019

Thanks to you, the 24th Annual Stuff the Bus event was another huge success. LTD partnered with 104.7 KDUK, local Walmarts, Food for Lane County, and the U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots last month to stuff a 40-foot LTD bus with non-perishable food and toys for members of our community.

LTD staff “pre-stuffed” the bus before sending it out into the community, contributing to the overall donation of more than 7,300 pounds of food and more than $200, which equals 6,734 meals for families in Lane County. Thank you to everyone who stopped by with donations and well wishes.

Route 98 Resumes ”Loops" In Cottage Grove

Beginning February 2, 2020, LTD will resume regular bus service within Cottage Grove on weekdays. The LTD bus will again travel from Walmart through the center of town and back to Walmart before departing for Creswell, LCC, and Eugene on all days of the week.

LTD additionally plans to extend the pilot program period of the new Mobility-on-Demand service, the LTD Connector, within the city of Cottage Grove: Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m through August 2020. Fares for the Connector are $1 per ride through the duration of the pilot program, and all other LTD fare is also accepted.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Holiday Farmers Market
Lane Events Center - 796 W 13th Ave., Eugene
November 16 - December 22, 2019
Saturdays: 10am - 5pm
Sundays: 11am - 5pm

The Holiday Farmers Market features fresh produce, and unique locally made gifts. For more information, visit LaneCountyFarmersMarket.org

Holiday Market
Lane Events Center - 796 W 13th Avenue, Eugene
November 16 - December 24, 2019
Saturdays & Sundays: 10am - 6pm
Christmas Eve: 10am - 4pm

Featuring handcrafted gifts sold by the artists, an international food court, and live music.
For more information, visit HolidayMarket.org

December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019