2010 News

December 30, 2010

Bucks County Joins Partnership to Save Doylestown Rushbus Routes

The Doylestown Rushbus will continue running in the New Year. On December 29, the Bucks County Commissioners joined officials from the county Planning Commission, the county Department of Health and Human Services, Doylestown Borough and state legislators Senator Chuck McIlhinney and Representative Marguerite Quinn for a meeting about the future of the Rushbus. Bucks County Transport (BCT), which will keep the service operating, also was a key component of the planning session.

During the meeting, participants committed temporary funding from the county, state and Doylestown Borough that will allow the Rushbus to continue its current route and schedule through January, 2011. This short-term funding will give officials an opportunity to survey Rushbus riders while analyzing past ridership patterns. These surveys and analyses will be aimed at the long-term efficiency of the service. They also will help to determine the needed funding for continued service during 2011.

“The goal is to keep the Rushbus operating for the residents who use it to reach their destinations, regardless whether they are doctor’s appointments, other professional services or even shopping,” Bucks County Commissioners Chairman Charles H. Martin stated. “We realize that many residents rely on the Rushbus, particularly our senior citizens.”

State Representative Quinn added, “We were given very short notice that TMA decided to shut down this route. We called an emergency meeting to see what, if anything, could be done to sustain this bus in Doylestown. We all recognize that given the shortage of funding, changes will have to be made, but we are committed to working to find a solution to keep a local bus running.”