New Bus Route May Be Running in Laramie This August

The Albany County Transit Authority (ACTA) is one step closer to becoming a reality. The Albany County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution for the ACTA in a special meeting on Tuesday.

The establishment of the ACTA allows the University of Wyoming and the Eppson Center for Seniors to move forward with the Grand Avenue Pilot Route. Albany County Commissioner Tim Chesnut says the route could be running as early as August 8.

The bus route would contain 11 stops including 1st and Grand, the Laramie Plains Civic Center/Albany County Library, the Wyoming Union and Wal-Mart. The route is slated to operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week with Eppson Center buses running in the morning and UW buses being used in the evenings and on weekends.

The pilot program comes with a cost of $423,650, which is covered in large part through matching grants with the City of Laramie, Albany County, UW and the Eppson Center. Chesnut says some money from the one cent sales tax is also being used. The ACTA's eventual goal is for the public transit system to operate throughout Albany County.

The 45-day public comment period opened on Wednesday. At the end of the public comment period there will be a public hearing with the Albany County Commissioners to appoint board members and give final approval to the resolution. Written comment can be submitted to the Albany County Clerk at 525 E. Grand Avenue in Laramie.