TARC buses have gone the extra mile to satisfy commuting passengers with their million-dollar updates.
According to TARC’s website, TARC has been given a $30 million investment, $20 million of which is provided by the Ohio River Bridges Project. Up until 2017 those investments are being used to transform buses to “commuter coaches.”
Up to 21 commuter coaches are expected to replace 15 year-old buses with mileages of nearly half a million. Investments aren’t only being used for buses. Renovations to TARC bus stops, Park ‘n’ Ride locations, and Union Station -TARC headquarters- will also take place.
Some updates have already begun. The new commuter coaches have free Wi-Fi, power outlets for electronics, overhead baggage storage and more seats to fit more passengers. Even students at IU Southeast are buzzing about their rides to campus.
Michelle Johnson, music business major, rides the 71 bus straight to campus daily and feels that commuter coaches are beneficial. With a reliable Wi-Fi connection, she is able to study online during her commute.
“The updates have made it easier to work on homework while I ride,” Johnson said.
Johnson also believes that power outlets are helpful and help secure that she is safe. Instead of rushing to charge her phone before leaving campus, she can now do so while riding home.
“Being a female travelling alone, sometimes in the evening, I feel like I should always have my phone charged in case something happens.”
Ironically, drivers were just as surprised as passengers when boarding the commuter coaches. Gail Smith, a driver for the 71 bus, said that drivers didn’t know of any changes until the “buses came in.”
Smith doesn’t get to use many new features, but has deemed power outlets the most clever update. She believes that customers benefit greatly. Smith has noticed that people are more excited to ride the buses, and Wi-Fi helps keep them occupied.
“Overall, the updates give passengers a good ride,” Smith concluded.
Though it may not seem that a bus ride can get any better than this, more changes are expected within the next few years.
