Transit modernization study recommends extended hours, stop upgrades and staff investments for Petersburg Area Transit

Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) and consultants presented an update Sept. 2 on the Petersburg Transit Modernization Initiative, a federally funded project aimed at increasing transit access for low‑income neighborhoods, seniors and riders with disabilities.

The study, funded through a Federal Transit Administration Areas of Persistent Poverty grant, analyzed PAT fixed‑route and paratransit service, solicited stakeholder input and produced an accessibility‑gap assessment. Sarah Cicero of Kimley‑Horn summarized the gaps the project identified: existing hours do not accommodate many trip purposes, some high‑demand routes need greater frequency, and stop access is limited by sidewalks and ADA pathways.

Danielle McCray presented recommendations and an implementation roadmap. They include exploring weekday‑hour extensions and potential weekend service to support shift workers; refining service in high‑demand corridors and underserved areas (including micro‑transit and regional partnerships); improving bus‑stop infrastructure (sidewalks, shelters, lighting and ADA‑compliant pathways) to enable riders to shift from paratransit to fixed‑route service; creating a regular customer feedback system; pursuing staff recruitment and retention strategies (apprenticeships and partnerships with educational institutions); and leveraging technology to optimize scheduling and performance metrics. McCray said the project will pivot next to a low/no‑fuel feasibility study for cleaner vehicles.

Darius Mason, PAT executive director, told council the system was “one MOU away from extending hours to 09:00 at night” for several routes, and that staff expect the extended evening service would operate on five routes initially, allowing later return trips from employment and activities in neighborhoods the routes serve. Mason also highlighted ongoing work to add bus stop amenities and noted concerns about vandalism of shelter signage would need to be addressed in design.

Councilmembers asked about overnight service, potential partnerships with the school system for activity buses, and workforce cross‑training. Mason said expanding hours and routes requires rolling stock and staffing but that PAT is pursuing recruitment and has interviewed new drivers. He also confirmed PAT will evaluate micro‑transit and demo regional connections; any new intercity routes would likely be grant‑funded and could require local matches.

Ending: PAT recommended near‑term actions (focus on high‑ridership areas, implement a rider feedback form, apply compensation study findings, evaluate weekend/extended hours) and expects to complete the current phase this fall before starting the vehicle electrification feasibility study.