I've been kicking an idea around for a while and would like some feedback.

 

Until the mid-90s, Wooster had a bus system. They used full-size buses and they usually empty, which is probably why it got shut down to begin with. Since then, the idea of bringing back a public transportation system seems to be brought up but never goes anywhere.

 

However, I have a proposal that I think might work.

 

The city should invest in a small fleet of short buses, such as those used in school systems and senior citizen transportation and refurbish them (provided that long-term maintenance costs would not prove to be too much). The smaller buses would cost less to fill up and to maintain, and also the effect of seeing fuller buses may encourage others to jump on the bandbus. :lol:

 

Fuel costs are also a concern. I think this could potentially be alleviated through the use of biodiesel, assuming that a steady source of fuel could be found.

 

At any rate, I think a bus system is imperative for helping to alleviate the parking issues Wooster often has during the day, and also might encourage people to shop and dine downtown without spending much on precious gas. I also predict that College of Wooster students might be interested in riding if they don't have cars on campus or don't know how to get somewhere. I'd appreciate the input of any other forumers!

Wells County, Indiana, came up with local and INDOT funding to provide service to the general public with vans used by the Council on Aging for senior citizen transportation. The rub is that with their service is demand-responsive and has to be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Their service is called WOW!, short for Wells on Wheels. Corny, but it's a baby step in the right direction.

 

Wooster, 1985:

 

Thanks for the info! It would definitely be a baby step - the only problem is that Wayne County is about five times as large as Wells County. Larger fleet, perhaps?

 

Also, your pictures do bring up the most important issue regarding public transportation. The buses must be yellow and white again! Those are awesome.

There is a program similar to WOW in Cuyahoga County called Senior Transportation Connection: http://cuyahogaseniorsride.com/index.htm

 

One main difference (and something that would make it easier to begin a new project) is that STC doesn't own any of its vehicles.  Rather, it works with its network partners and takes advantage of the vehicles that are already in use by municipalities/senior residences/recreation programs. 

I would think the small towns in Ohio with colleges should work with the local university to set up a system that befits local residents and students.

I don't know what kind of funding arrangement might exist, if any, but the transit system in Indiana, PA definitely shows the influence of the university. Indiana is a modest-sized city, although from all appearances more prosperous than Wooster.