Public meetings held for Rock Region METRO service changes

Rock Region METRO is planning system service enhancements, including proposed changes for 14 of its 26 bus routes. A fare review, the first since 2009, is also underway. The agency will host five public information meetings in late July to share information on specific proposals, which would take effect in October.

“We did not get the quarter-penny sales tax to fund public transit that would have funded the MOVE Central Arkansas bus service improvement plan, which included major system improvements. Now, we’re exploring how we can take low- or no-cost pieces of the MOVE Central Arkansas plan and make minor improvements within the constraints of our current funding structure,” said Jarod Varner, METRO executive director.

The METRO staff began its annual service review in April. The process of moving service miles to different places within the system involves a lot of math: The interlocal agreement that created the agency in 1986 dictates that any service miles within the system must stay within the jurisdiction that funds them.

Public comments, including those from bus drivers, community members, businesses, elected officials and riders were taken into consideration at the review’s onset and continue to influence the proposals. Advances in technology also played a role: Whereas service mile route configurations were once calculated manually, the agency was able to use transit planning software to make more precise calculations to create proposed route changes, taking into account jurisdiction boundaries, which change on an irregular basis.

During June and July, METRO staff will be prepping public information materials for each proposed change, including information on related changes that pertain to schedules, bus stops and fares.

“We’re excited to share this information we’re assembling,” said Varner. “It will give our community a more accurate snapshot of public transit use and potential for our area. I think it demonstrates the dedication our board and staff bring to serving our community by constantly seeking ways to improve the system.”

Once the public information meetings have passed, the agency will host a 30-day public comment period, followed by a decision on whether to implement the proposed changes by the METRO Board of Directors. If approved, changes will be implemented in October.

Following are the METRO annual service public meetings and times.

Tuesday, July 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
Little Rock Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline Rd., Little Rock

Wednesday, July 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
Laman Library, Room 216, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock

Monday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
Jess Odom Community Center, 1100 Edgewood Dr., Maumelle

Tuesday, July 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Bill Harmon Recreation Center, 51 Shelby Rd., Sherwood

Wednesday, July 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
Central Arkansas Library System Main Branch, 100 S. Rock St., Little Rock