Following a seven-month pilot program, Ride Acadiana’s final day of service will be April 5.
The pilot route began last August to test the feasibility of a commuter bus transit route connecting Acadia Parish and Lafayette for increased access to employment and education opportunities.
With 2,375 boardings during that time, the pilot demonstrated that there is demand for regional transit.
Monique Boulet, Acadiana Planning Commission chief executive officer, says Ride Acadiana has established a workable model that could be replicated in other communities seeking to provide similar transit options for their residents.
“Through this pilot, we now know the costs, processes and systems required to extend transit service into the surrounding region,” said Boulet. “We’ll be able to share that knowledge with municipalities or even large corporate entities who may be interested in developing transportation alternatives.”
Boulet expressed appreciation to the riders who have participated in the pilot, and to partners in the program: University of Louisiana at Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, Lafayette General Health, and the governing bodies of Acadia Parish, Crowley, Rayne, Duson, Scott and Lafayette.
The pilot route was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with support from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
The Acadiana Planning Commission administered the program through an operating agreement with Lafayette Transit System.