UPDATE: Major changes to the BARTA bus schedule have just been announced, set to take effect on January 5, 2024. The South Central Transit Authority is implementing several adjustments aimed at enhancing service efficiency and on-time performance across multiple routes.
Key changes include:
– **Route 1**: The time point outbound and inbound at Fifth Street Highway and Crescent Avenue has been eliminated, with adjustments made to boost on-time performance.
– **Route 8**: Four additional trips will now service Birdsboro between 12:50 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.. Notably, the 5:15 a.m. trip will no longer serve Boscov’s Distribution Center, shifting this service to the 7:15 a.m. trip to better accommodate employee shifts.
– **Route 9**: This route will now include service to Berks Nature, located at 575 St. Bernardine St., for both inbound and outbound trips.
– **Route 10**: Service will extend to Shillington Plaza after 6:30 p.m. for inbound trips only.
– **Route 14**: Adjustments mean that trips marked with an “A” note on the schedule will no longer serve Wernersville State Hospital from Womelsdorf.
– **Route 15**: Time adjustments are set to improve on-time performance. This route will also see a change at Park Road and Hill Avenue to enhance safety for both customers and drivers, rerouting via Hill Avenue to Reading Avenue and Penn Avenue.
– **Route 16**: Similar safety improvements are being made as this route will also adjust at Park Road and Hill Avenue. Plus, service to R.M. Palmer Company will be added on the last trip at 11:05 p.m..
– **Route 17**: Inbound trips will now serve Tower Behavioral Health.
– **Route 22**: This route will be extended from East Penn Manufacturing to Kutztown University for all trips.
These changes are designed to enhance the reliability of BARTA services, ensuring that riders experience improved transit options. Detailed schedules are now available at bartabus.com.
As these changes roll out, commuters are encouraged to review the updated schedules to avoid disruptions. Authorities stress that the adjustments are in direct response to rider feedback and operational assessments, aiming to provide better access and convenience for all passengers. Stay tuned for more updates as BARTA implements these crucial changes.
