MIDDLEBURY — To improve public safety, Addison County Transit Resources, or ACTR, will make use of the dedicated bus pull off near St. Stephen’s Church after the New Year.
ACTR had temporarily delayed this action until after the busy holiday shopping season. The temporary delay necessitated heightened caution by car drivers and bus drivers while passenger activity took place in the travelled lane. An average 40 riders per day have relied on the post office stops since they were added to bus schedules on Dec. 1, ACTR officials said. This access makes the downtown reachable by transit riders, ensuring the town and ACTR meet Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VI requirements for accessibility (similar to handicapped-accessible parking spots).
ACTR officials note that commuters and shoppers who choose to ride the bus are helping to alleviate downtown congestion, not adding to it with personal vehicles, which also reduces the pressure on parking spots.
The accommodation by ACTR to use the travel lane during December was made with the intention for extreme diligence and a limited period to reduce risk.
“The temporary holiday configuration has led to some riders darting across both lanes of traffic, rather than waiting on the St. Stephen’s side behind parked cars where sight lines are poor,” noted Jim Moulton, ACTR executive director.
Bus pull-offs at busy locations are safer for all: pedestrians, car drivers and bus riders. Pulling out of traffic at this spot helps car drivers because it is less disruptive to traffic flow, which improves safety and reduces driver inconvenience and frustration.
ACTR’s mission is to enhance the economic, social and environmental health of the region by providing public transportation services that are safe, reliable, accessible and affordable for everyone. For service information visit actr-vt.org or call 388-ACTR(2287).