New Fort Smith buses roll out

Shiny, blue buses were ready for service Monday, Nov. 28 as an increase in the number of bus riders in Fort Smith has been observed this year.

Fort Smith Transit has six new buses that run on compressed natural gas.

The new buses are equipped with more seating, an electric purification system, USB charging ports, and a variety of other features.

"This is a step up for Fort Smith," said Fort Smith Transit Director Ken Savage.

"It was a welcome sight when the buses came in when they did," Savage said.

The Fort Smith Transit transfer station located at 200 Wheeler Ave. has a new canopy over 200 feet long that was also unveiled. There is a new emergency generator too ready for use.

Savage, Mayor George McGill and other city officials to cut a ribbon for the addition to the city fleet.

Fort Smith now has 16 buses. The new buses, four that are 40 feet, and two that are 35 feet, cost about $540,000 apiece. The buses were purchased with $5.4 million in CARES Act grant money.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the number of riders in Fort Smith was up, Savage said. The number of riders using buses in Fort Smith this year is about 3% higher than most cities nationwide, Savage said.

The new buses are larger and allow more space for social distancing and also offer air purification systems.

Fort Smith Transit serves an area covering 70 square miles, Savage said.

He said ridership is about 70% of what it was before the pandemic.

"People were a little skittish getting back after the pandemic. It is gradually coming back to what it was," Savage said.

The buses in Fort Smith run 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. And Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The fare is $1.25 to $2.50. People can download a cellphone application to track bus locations. Buses do not run on Sundays.

On Wednesday, Nov. 30, bus rides will be free.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Six new Fort Smith Transit buses ready to hit the streets