SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The TenHaken Administration is thinking outside the box about buses in Sioux Falls.
One idea is to dramatically change the way The Sioux Falls Area Metro operates. City Council has been briefed on a pilot program for an on-demand bus system.
The city’s Allie Hartzler says a big goal would be to get more riders in the seats.
“Right now we are moving 12.1 on average. We are targeting 20. That’s what is going to allow us to operate more efficiently.”
Hartzler tells Council that the hope is to operate the pilot on Saturdays beginning next summer. People would be able to use their smartphones and computers to schedule rides.
The TenHaken Administration is also looking at the feasibility of a bus rapid transit system.
Engineer Kurt Pepple tells the council that it would connect downtown with the Premier Center, Falls Park, and the Sanford Sports Complex.
“Maybe we’d look at repurposing some existing buses the city has, put some pre-emption equipment in them to give them signal priority, re-brand them, make them look a little bit different.”
Pepple says BRTs are operating in other cities, including Omaha. The Administration’s idea has been dubbed ‘Sioux Falls Connects.’
