By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Beginning November 9th, Connect Transit will officially make the switch to a fixed route bussing system.

This means buses will now only pick up and drop off passengers at predetermined bus stop locations and transfer centers. General Manager Andrew Johnson said the switch will hopefully mean more buses will be on time.

“It helps us plan better, in terms of, we know how many times that bus might stop during its route and we can plan for that and build in time for it,” he said.

Johnson added there are also advantages for residents.

“There is no question as to where the bus is going to pick you up. There is no question as to where the bus is going to drop you off,” said Johnson. “There’s no anxiety there.”

Johnson explained there has been confusion in the past.

“It was really up to the driver to decide, ok if the passenger asks me to pick up here or drop off there, is it safe to do so? There wasn’t real consistency there,” Johnson said.

Stop locations will have a Connect Transit green sign and a secondary information sign. Connect Transit brought in a consultant to work with staff to find what they believe to be the best places to put the bus stops.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].