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Wiregrass Transit reports rising ridership; council renews designation as local Section 5311 provider
Summary
Wiregrass Transit reported ridership growth since service began in October 2023 and the council voted to renew the agency as the city's Section 5311 implementing transit provider; riders use the system primarily for work and medical trips and the one-way fare is $3.
Council members voted May 5 to designate the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, doing business as Wiregrass Transit Authority, as Enterprise's implementing provider for the Section 5311 rural transit program after a data briefing from the agency.
Mike Kritten of Wiregrass Transit told the council service began in October 2023 and reported 6,495 trips in the first year (about 26 trips per day), 9,562 trips in FY25 (approximately 39 trips per day), and 7,182 trips from October through April of the current fiscal year; if that pace continues, the agency expects more than 12,000 trips for the year. The system operates six buses on a demand-response model, charges $3 per one-way trip within city limits, and serves primarily work-related trips followed by medical appointments, education and shopping.
Councilmembers praised the growth and noted the service provides transit for residents without cars as well as support for aging residents who may no longer drive. Wiregrass Transit representatives said trips are scheduled by calling dispatch (typically booked the day before) and that the agency is working to add online or app-based booking in the future. The council's designation will continue the city's funding and coordination with the regional provider for the next fiscal year.
