Beginning Monday, April 6, 2020, START Bus will implement additional service reductions, primarily impacting the Town Shuttle and Teton Village routes. These reductions in public transit service are a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These right-sizing adjustments will allow START Bus to continue service to all of its operating areas, but adjusts service according to the current needs of the community. The focus remains on providing community members with the transportation needed to access essential services and activities.
In addition to the reduction of commuter services and the modified spring schedule already in place, the following adjustments will begin on Monday, April 6, 2020:
- Route 20 Green Line will experience a slight reduction in service with departures starting in town every even hour from 6:00am to 6:00pm with return trips every odd hour from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
- Town Shuttle 1 and Town Shuttle 2 will reduce service to every 60 minutes from the Deloney Parking. Town Shuttle 1 will operate from 6:05am until 8:05pm and Town Shuttle 2 will run from 6:20am until 7:20pm. The Town Shuttle 2 will continue to pick up at the Rancher and Hansen stop at 25 minutes after each hour and will now stop at the Pioneer Homestead stop at 3 minutes after each hour.
There will be no change in the ADA Services. The Commuter Services to Teton Valley, Idaho and Star Valley, Wyoming will remain unchanged from the current levels which were adjusted on March 30, 2020.
The following commuter trips were suspended as of March 30, 2020:
Teton Valley 4
Departing at 7:40 am and returning at 7:30 pm
Star Valley 4
Departing at 7:40 am and returning at 7:45 pm
“START Bus looks forward to ramping service back to normal levels as the nation works to recover from these extraordinary circumstances,” said Darren Brugmann the Director of START Bus.
START Bus has experienced more than a 50% decrease in ridership compared to previous spring seasons, and the decline in ridership continues as the message from Public Health Officials to stay at home resonates in our community.
Please do not take unnecessary trips and, as often as possible, keep 6 feet between yourself and others while riding the bus. START Bus also recommends washing your hands before boarding and as soon as possible after disembarking. START employees are working diligently to clean and disinfect the buses taking proactive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. START continues to work closely with local health organizations to follow best cleaning practices as recommended.
START would like to thank all the members of the community in advance for their continued patience and support while we monitor and adjust service to appropriately reflect ridership demand and to respond to the health, safety, and welfare concerns of START Bus operators, riders, and the greater community.
Please check www.startbus.com for details on all routes, schedules and fees or contact START Bus directly at (307) 733-4521.
###
