<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2ol2fq_17ZPE0wn00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ol2fq_17ZPE0wn00" width="1320" height="743" >OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - The Otsego County bus system is set to expand its schedule starting January 3, offering increased accessibility for residents. The new schedule will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, marking the return of Saturday service for the first time since 2019. Pat Byrne, chief dispatcher for the Otsego County bus system, explained the on-demand nature of the service: "The dispatcher takes calls from all residents of Otsego County, and we try to fit them into the bus routes that we've already, or bus runs that we've already created with other passengers. So, we look for the direction of the bus, and the timing, and we try to fit those people in to get them where they need to go by their appointment time.”Director Tim Sherwinski noted that the expansion was driven by feedback from the local advisory council. “We have a local advisory council meeting annually, and last year they come to us, and really just expanding hours is going to give the passengers, the regular passengers more more time to schedule for their appointments, and grocery shopping," he said. The bus system, which is fully ADA accessible, serves a variety of needs, including medical appointments, work, school, and grocery shopping. Byrne highlighted the growing demand: "We've noticed services picking up in some of the more rural areas, and so we're trying to meet that need. More students are going and using the service, and people who are going to work are using the service at an increased rate. So, our ridership is going up."Sherwinski added that a review of ridership will be conducted within the first six months to ensure the new schedule meets community needs. “We will be doing a review within the first six months of the user, of the ridership to make sure we're being utilized, you know, for the for the new times, and if we are, at this time we are still short staff as well. We're looking for a couple of bus aides, as well as a driver," Sherwinski said. The system is currently seeking additional staff, including bus aides and a driver. In celebration of New Year's Eve, the bus system will offer free rides from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.</div></body>

Block Source: UpNorthLive.com

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OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - The Otsego County bus system is set to expand its schedule starting January 3, offering increased accessibility for residents. The new schedule will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, marking the return of Saturday service for the first time since 2019.

Otsego County bus system expands schedule, adds Saturday service

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OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich,. (WPBN/WGTU) - - The Otsego County bus system is set to expand its schedule starting January 3, offering increased accessibility for r

Otsego County bus system expands schedule, adds Saturday service

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