Riders urge council not to cut bus stops near hospitals; council says staff will follow up

Denise Martin, who identified herself as a longtime Mobile rider, told the council that proposed transit adjustments would remove stops and reduce frequency on routes that serve hospitals and job sites, leaving riders — including those who rely on buses for medical appointments — without reliable access. "If you stop them, how we going get around and do for ourself?" she asked, citing concerns about routes 4 and 15 and describing a route she said would run only twice daily under the new plan.

Council members acknowledged the concern and said administration staff had attempted outreach. Councilman Corey Penn said staff had reviewed the routes and "said they would make sure that you get to that place and anybody else on that route will get to the destinations that they've been going to," and asked that Mr. Snowden (administration staff) re-contact Ms. Martin with details. Officials said a separate public hearing on an application by Woods Anytime Mobility to operate a shuttle service was held and closed with no public speakers.

The council did not adopt any immediate route changes in the meeting; members asked administration to supply the documentation that explains how routes and stop locations will be adjusted and to follow up with affected riders.

What happens next: Staff follow-up with the resident and a written explanation of route changes will be provided according to council comments; the shuttle-service certificate application was heard and closed without public comment.

Notes: Route numbers and riding-frequency concerns are reported as stated by the rider during public comment; council members pledged follow-up rather than announcing immediate policy changes.