Bus service is planned for local rural areas

A new bus system is making its way to Brookhaven. Five County Community Transportation will be starting a daily service that covers the Lincoln County area.

“We felt there was a need to transport people from rural areas to the city,” said Tony Middleton, FCCT operations supervisor.

The start date has yet to be determined, but Middleton said it will begin very soon.

Bus routes will be set up to transport passengers from Auburn, Bogue Chitto, East Lincoln and Ruth to Brookhaven. Buses will pick up rural residents and bring them to the city, where there will be several different bus stops. The busses will run every 30 to 45 minutes.

FCCT has been providing Lincoln county residents with transportation, but only by appointment. Middleton said a number of people have been using the current method, which is why FCCT sees a need for a new transit that will run on a schedule.

Tickets bought at the stops will range from $5 to $7 for a day pass, but may be purchased a head of time for $3.50. Fico passes will also be available, which are purchased before hand and are based on the number of trips instead of time, so they will not expire.

Middleton said that this is the first time FCCT has tried a daily bus system and it will be a learning experience for future developments.

For more information about the project, contact Tony B. Middleton or Evelyn Strickland, FCCT project director, at 1-800-670-7178.

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