Over the past several months the City of Turlock has implemented a number of changes to the City’s bus system, from installing new electronic fare boxes to extending service hours and a complete overhaul of the bus routes. While the City reports the newly named Turlock Transit system has made riding the bus easier for the many residents who rely on public transportation, there are a number of issues that still need to be addressed.

Transportation Engineering Supervisor Wayne York said that he and members of the transit team met with members of the Sikh community and residents of senior housing complexes recently to hear their concerns with the new routes.

York said the community members’ main concerns were bus stop locations that were dropped when the new routes became effective Jan. 2. The City has received complaints about the lack of bus stops in front of the Turlock Sikh Temple on 5th Street and Linwood Avenue, in front of a number of assisted living facilities and in the downtown core that would service those going to Main Street, the Post Office and bank branches.

The key complaint, however, has been the loss of a bus stop in front of the Turlock Library at Minaret Avenue and Cahill Street.

“A cross-section of the community requested that back,” said York about the Turlock Library bus stop, “volunteers, families, people who go there for Internet access and groups meeting at the Senior Center next door.”

Development Services Director Mike Pitcock told the City Council on Tuesday that City staff plan to continue meeting with the public about their bus system concerns. The City is also contemplating making a few route changes starting April 1.

“We’re looking at a couple of concepts that would meet some of the needs and are easily achievable in the interim. Some will be more involved and need more public input,” said York.

York encouraged all residents who use Turlock Transit to submit their concerns and/or suggestions to the City as soon as possible. Comments can be submitted at the transit website, www.turlocktransit.com, by email to transit@turlock.ca.us or by letter addressed to Turlock Transit, City Hall, 156 S. Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380.

The City has also scheduled public meetings at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 30 at City Hall. Free transit will be available all day on March 30, on all six routes, to eliminate financial barriers for people who want to attend the meetings.

Along with taking input on the bus routes, City staff will also be updating the public on upcoming projects, including roadwork scheduled for summer at Golden State Boulevard and Fulkerth Road that will affect bus routes and the status of bus stop improvements.

Part of the City’s transit plan is to upgrade a number of bus stops around town.

“Now that we’re going to 9 p.m., having shelters with solar-powered lighting is important for safety and visibility,” said York.

Some of that work has been pushed back a little as the City is dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the City Corporation Yard on Saturday that damaged four buses.

“Now we’re focusing all our energies on what we can to address our fleet shortage issues and keep us on the road,” said York.