Transit authority bus routes expand, free Saturday rides planned

The Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority will debut an expanded bus route and 30-minute service Oct. 27. Tom Mogelnicki, the transit authority's executive director, unveiled the plan during the board of directors quarterly meeting Thursday. He said three buses will be used to provide prompt service along 60 stops throughout Cape Girardeau. The economy is expected to help increase bus ridership he said. The line will run as far northeast as Cape Meadows Circle, near Main Street, as far southeast as Hackberry Street; southwest to Lambert Drive at Shirley Drive and as far northwest as Kingshighway and Star Vue Court. The route also moves from Sprigg Street west on Broadway to Sunset Boulevard, Independence Street and Sheridan Drive before moving along William Street to Silver Springs and Gordonville roads, making its way to the neighborhood west of Arena Park. An updated map of the new route will be posted on the transit authority's website, www.cgcta.com, Mogelnicki said Thursday. Fares will not change, Mogelnicki said, with one exception. In order to increase ridership the transit authority will offer free rides on Saturdays beginning Nov. 1.