Interurban ridership continues to grow

The number of Laketown Township riders on the Interurban Transit Authority increased in July, reaching its highest mark since the service began in May.

The popularity of the on-demand ride service means the township board will have to make a decision on funding because the original $21,000 budgeted for the 6-month experiment will run out in September.

The bus service picked up or dropped off 847 people in July in Laketown Township, a 1.8 percent increase over the 832 people in June, according to numbers from the township.

“We have had a great response from the riders,” said Becky Carten-Crandell, executive director of the Interurban Transit Authority. “They are using the service to go to school functions, visit family members, work, out to dinner, the beach, parks, shopping, and doctor appointments.”

The authority has hired three part-time employees, along with purchasing a used bus to accommodate its expansion into Laketown Township, the City of Fennville and new stops at area wineries.

“The staff and I are enjoying our new area, and the riders are very appreciative. Interurban is currently looking into having on-demand availability to go to Evergreen Commons and Holland Aquatic Center,” she added.

Laketown service

Bus service began in Laketown Township on May 1 for a trial period through Oct. 31. The goal is to collect data to provide the township board with a factual basis so it can determine whether or not the township will support continuing the service after the test period.

Randi Roehling of Laketown is a supporter of continued Interurban service in Laketown.

“With three children attending Saugatuck Public Schools (entering 2nd, 4th, and 6th grade this fall), the Interurban pilot program has been an incredible timesaver and blessing for our family,” Roehling said.

“Both my husband and I work full-time … and the Interurban has provided safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for our very busy kids to and from school and extracurricular activities. It has made a meaningful difference in our daily lives,” she said.

If you have comments about the service, call (616) 335-3050 or send comments to office@laketowntwp.org.

The fare for a ride during standard hours is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, seniors and those with disabilities.

Funding

Laketown is paying the Interurban $7 per ride to cover the authority’s expenses.

For May, the township paid $5,831 for 833 pick-ups and drop-offs.

For June, the township paid $5,824 for the 832 stops.

For July, the township is paying $5,929 for the 847 stops.

The $17,584 three-month total is almost 84 percent of the $21,000 budgeted to cover the transportation experiment that is set to run through October.

About the service

People who want a ride call (269) 857-1418 and set a time for a bus to pick them up at their location and then take them to another spot in Laketown Township, Saugatuck Township, the cities of Douglas, Saugatuck or Fennville and the wineries in Ganges Township.

The Interurban also provides prescription delivery services from Saugatuck Drug Store, 201 Butler St., for $2 and food delivery services from many Saugatuck-Douglas restaurants for a $3 charge.

Regular bus service hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Extended hours in June, July and August include Friday and Saturday evenings until 11 p.m. $3 fare per adult.

For more on costs and other information, visit https://www.saugatuckinterurban.org/