Council expands CG Link service area to serve more neighborhoods, adds Palm Creek stop near clubhouse

The Casa Grande City Council approved an amendment to the CG Link transit service area that extends coverage to additional neighborhoods near Cottonwood Lane and adds a designated pickup point at the Palm Creek Resort clubhouse.

Staff said the expansion covers areas bounded roughly by Casa Grande Avenue and Treckle Road and will bring single-family homes, apartment complexes and some businesses into the existing service area so residents will not have to cross the busy Casa Grande/Cottonwood intersection to board at a 7-Eleven virtual stop. "This area, there's a lot of people who are riding the bus, and they're crossing Casa Grande, and they're using the virtual bus stop at the 7-11," the presenter said.

The Palm Creek designation is a relocated stop negotiated with resort management to avoid congested internal roads; staff said the new stop is near the clubhouse and allows buses to make a safe in-and-out without backing up. Officials said the service change will not increase operating costs or require additional vehicles.

Staff reported approximately 60,006 trips year-to-date for the system and said the 7-Eleven location is among the top origin-destination sites. Council members asked operational questions about routing and backing; staff confirmed buses will not reverse into the stop without a spotter and that the Palm Creek stop allows a forward in-and-out.

Outreach will include media, social media, rider alerts and notifications via the CG Link app and city websites; staff expected to implement the change within a week of the meeting. The council adopted Resolution No. 5372.1 to amend the service area and authorized the city manager to execute associated documents.