The first Free Ride Days helped generate more than 800 rides on the Capital Area Transit (CAT) fixed-route system. The CAT’s first Free Ride Days of 2015 were held May 29-30.
“The May Free Ride Days really worked out really well for us, as well as the community” said Interim Transit Director Al Wangler. “We give our riders a couple of the Free Ride Days each year as a thank you for their support, and were also able to highlight the M-1 and C-2 route changes that went live on June 1.”
On May 29, 528 riders took advantage of the fare-free rides, with 283 rides provided on May 30. In comparison, the three Fridays prior to the May 29 Free Ride Day averaged 469 one-way rides, while the three previous Saturdays produced an average of 233 rides.
There were two route changes that went into effect on June 1, for the C-2 route in northeast Bismarck, and a section of the M-1 route in northwest Mandan. The changes to the C-2 eliminated redundancies and expanded service to include portions of Centennial Road, Knudsen and Nebraska Drive.The M-1 route has been altered to travel north on Collins, before turning west onto Old Red Trail. The M-1 will then travel by Wal-Mart, before making a loop to the south of Mandan Middle School. At that point, the route will continue on its traditional path.
The next Free Ride Days are scheduled to be held in late October.
