The Butler Transit Authority will begin its commuter service to Pittsburgh a lot sooner than originally thought.
In a news release distributed late Friday morning, the BTA said the service to Pittsburgh (via Route 8-to Route 228-to Interstate 79) will begin in 10 days, on Monday, Dec. 18. It was previously thought it would take until next summer to get the service underway.
Officials say it was the work of State Rep. Brian Ellis that enabled the project to happen quickly.
“Rep. Ellis was very instrumental in getting PennDOT to allow us to order the buses that we’re going to use in this service,” BTA Executive Director John Paul said in an interview on Friday. “The buses are here and they’re ready to go.”
The BTA’s initial service will consist of two morning trips and two afternoon trips. Tentative stop locations include the downtown Bus terminal on East Cunningham Street, the former Shop ‘n Save parking lot in Pullman Square, Glade Run Church in Cooperstown, Twelve Oaks Mansion off Route 228 in Adams Township and the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
The current provider of bus service to Pittsburgh- Myers Coach Lines- is going out of business. They will discontinue their service on Friday, Dec. 15.
“I was notified on Dec. 1 that Myers was going out of business and that we would be ready to go (on our service) on Dec. 18,” Paul said. “I said ‘sure!’. This is a long-time coming. Unfortunately, it’s not in addition to the Myers’ service. It’s a trimmed down from what Myers provided because this is basically commuter service.”
The midday and late run service provided by Myers Coach will be discontinued. Bus service to Grove City and Slippery Rock will also be eliminated. For complete details, visit ButlerTransit.com.
According to the BTA, one-way cash fares will be $5. A 15-trip pass can be purchased for $60 and a 31 trip pass can be purchased for $120. Passes will be sold on the bus on Dec. 18 and 19, cash or check only. Myers bus passes will be accepted on the BTA commuter runs.
