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Local Government>Van Buren Public Transit
Van Buren Public Transit (VBPT)
![We rely on Van Buren Public Transit! [Click here to view full size picture]](media/government/tn_rally2.jpg)
Thank you to everyone who supported Van Buren Public Transit during election time!! Van Buren Public Transit 610 David Walton Drive Bangor, MI Call to Schedule a Ride: 1-800-828-2015 or 269-427-7921 Contact us by email: rides@vbco.orgWhat is Van Buren Public Transit? Van Buren Public Transit is a public, not-for-profit transportation agency providing curb-to-curb, wheelchair accessible transportation to individuals who cannot access or afford other transportation alternatives. Our services reflect a commitment to meeting the mobility needs of the least able as well as to promoting mobility options for all. What We Believe... · We believe that all people are entitled to live as independently as possible within their life circumstances. · We believe that freedom of movement is a fundamental necessity in our society. · We believe that everybody counts, regardless of age, health or income, and has a contribution to make to the community in which they live. Who Uses Van Buren Public Transit?
Most riders are those who do not drive or have limited driving ability due to age, health, disability, or income level. Service is available to all residents in Van Buren County. We transport people using medical aids, as well as those accessing jobs, educational services and day- to- day activities.
What Area Does Van Buren Public Transit Serve? We serve all of Van Buren County. For service availability in your area, call our Scheduling Office at 1-800-828-2015 or see the service area maps below.
VBPT offers DIAL-A-RIDE service in the Paw Paw and South Haven areas.
VBPT also provides COUNTY-WIDE / RESERVATION service which is a 24-Hour Call Ahead / reservation within the boundaries of Van Buren County.
VBPT can provide OUT OF COUNTY SERVICE if vehicles are available.
VBPT can also provide special contracted services to agencies, organizations or private parties. Please call for availablity and pricing.
When is Service Available? County wide service is offered Monday-Friday by calling at least 24 hours in advance. For hours of service in your area, call our Scheduling Office. 1-800-828-2015 or 269-427-7921.
VBPT's office hours are
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm (closed Saturday and Sunday) and VBPT's dispatch hours are Monday-Friday: 6:00am-6:00pm.
Public Transit will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
Memorial Day
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day, December 24
Christmas, December 25
New Year’s Eve Day, December 31
New Year's Day, January 1
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| How Do I Schedule a Ride? |
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How Do I Schedule a Ride?
Call our Scheduling Office at 1800-828-2015 or 269-427-7921. Rides are reserved on a first-called/first-served, space available basis. Reservations are taken Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Capacity and schedules are limited, so please call one to seven days before you need a ride.
Please remember - it is not necessary for you to call seven days in advance in order to receive a ride. We do ask that you call as soon as you know you are going to need a ride (please no earlier than seven days) whenever possible. You may call on the same day you need service and we will do our best to find you a ride.
When Will I Be Picked Up and Returned Home?
When scheduling a ride, you will be given a 15-20-minute time frame for your pickup (e.g. pickup time for a 10 a.m. appointment may be between 9:00 a.m. and 9:20 a.m.) Pickup times for transit between communities or outside city limits may vary by more than 30 minutes. You may wait in your residence until the driver arrives. He/She will honk the horn and can wait for up to five (5) minutes only so please be ready. For your return trip, the driver will pick you up within 15 minutes of your requested return time. Should your trip times change, or you wish to cancel, please notify the scheduling office immediately.
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| What Does It Cost to Ride VBPT? |
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What is the Cost?
The fare will vary depending on how far you travel. For specific fare information in your area call our Scheduling Office. For specific fare information in your area, call our Scheduling Office or see the South Haven, Paw Paw and County wide service descriptions below.
How Do I Pay? Drivers do not carry change, so please have your fare ready to put in the fare box when boarding. Checks are accepted, however we do not accept credit cards.
Save money and purchase a Van Buren Public Transit Pass. Call our scheduling office for more details.
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| Service Area Maps and Fares |
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![South Haven Dial A Ride Area [Click here to view full size picture]](media/government/tn_vbtransit_05_south_haven.gif)
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Click on these links for more information on service area, hours and fares:
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The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners appoints the Public Transit Board. VBPT's board members are:
Dean Beckwith
John Clement
William Myrkle
County Commissioner Susan Hammond
County Commissioner Richard Freestone
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| Local Advisory Council |
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The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners appoints the Local Advisory Council (LAC). LAC members include:
Todd Brugh (User)
Larry Nielsen (Planning)
Sue McCauley (Low Income)
David Rigozzi Jr. (handicapped)
Judy Lammers (Area Ag. on Aging)
Rick Bowser (Health)
Jackie Washegesic (Education)
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TRANSIT TIPS
1. For the comfort of everyone, smoking, eating and drinking are NOT allowed on the bus.
2. In some cases, the bus must make several stops, so plan a slightly longer travel time.
3. Please try to plan your social, shopping and doctor trips during non-peak hours: after 9:00 a.m. and before 2:00 p.m.
4. For safety, please remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop!
5. Please have the exact fare.
6. Please limit the amount of bags as you may be charged for taking up needed seats.
7. Please be ready to board when the bus arrives so others won't have to wait. Buses wait for up to ""TWO"" minutes.
8. If you decide NOT to ride, please call the dispatcher before the bus arrives, or you can be charged for a ""NO SHOW"".
9. During periods of heavy snowfall, buses may only travel on cleared roads.
10. Buy a Transit Pass ""Punch Card"" for convenience.
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| VBPT Office Location and Directors |
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VBPT Office Location: 610 David Walton Drive Bangor, Michigan 49013
VAN BUREN PUBLIC TRANSIT PERSONNNEL:
Tony Dacoba, Director
Laurie D. Schlipp, Office Manager
Darryl Q. Mosley, Operations Supervisor
"Our Business Is Picking Up" An Equal Opportunity Employer
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| Van Buren Public Transit Study |
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VBPT completed a study in 2005. For the compete study and implementation toolkit.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Van Buren Public Transit (VBPT) Study provides an extensive investigation of the VBPT system and operations from its governance to its financial records and performance measures. The study also delves into how VBPT fits into the overall transportation system in the county and region.
The study also explores the population characteristics of Van Buren County and the potential population sectors that most likely use or would use public transit. Van Buren County’s population is expected to grow and with this growth the need for public transit will also grow. VBPT mostly serves and will continue to serve the transportation disadvantaged, which includes the elderly, disabled, low income and individuals without a vehicle. VBPT will also face the challenges of serving a growing population of Hispanics that may not speak English well.
The study concludes that VBPT will have the most economic and community benefit if it focuses on providing transportation for disadvantaged populations for the following trip types:
1. Employment
2. Retail and Medical Services (especially dialysis)
3. Education and Training
There may also be an opportunity to build upon the tourism industry to provide additional contracted services to communities and businesses. Most importantly, VBPT can increase ridership and efficiency by collaborating and coordinating with human service agencies to better meet the transportation needs of their clients.
The study also explores innovations, strategies and trends in rural public transit and provides information relevant for VBPT to start implementing these strategies. These innovations include coordination, the use of technology, public outreach and flex routes. There is also a section of the report that focuses on funding options for public transit.
Finally the study defines the new vision for VBPT that was created by a very committed group of steering committee members. This new vision entails a proposed new mission statement and seven goals with specific objectives.
The proposed mission statement for VBPT is:
It is the mission of Van Buren Public Transit to meet the dynamic transit needs of Van Buren County with innovative, economical and flexible service.
Following is the list of proposed goals and objectives that were developed.
GOAL #1: Develop a coordinated, centralized, countywide transportation system with regional connections.
§ Expand LAC to become an interagency/user/private provider transportation focused group to build partnerships and communication
§ Assess all resources (including funding, people, fleet) and gaps in transportation services being provided by all agencies and private providers.
§ Explore and implement an inter-agency provided centralized dispatch.
§ Increase efforts for a regional, inter-connected system.
§ Encourage municipal/county future land use decisions to promote smart growth principles, which include the use of public transportation.
GOAL #2: Increase stakeholder satisfaction.
§ Provide easily accessible information to riders/agencies.
§ Identify, understand and respond to users/agencies transit needs.
GOAL #3: Improve leadership at all levels.
§ Identify and improve processes that enhance board effectiveness.
§ Develop and update operational and procedural policies.
§ Maintain positive labor relations.
§ Increase employee professional growth and leadership.
GOAL #4: Increase operational efficiency and productivity.
§ Streamline processes.
§ Create additional performance indicators to measure efficiency and productivity.
§ Develop flex routes.
GOAL #5: Create awareness in the community of VBPT services, costs of services, funding sources and the need for public transit.
§ Determine most effective public outreach methods/products to reach target audiences.
§ Develop, improve and implement public outreach methods/products.
§ Publish an annual report.
§ Generate support for a millage to fund VBPT.
GOAL #6: Ensure fiscal stability.
§ Develop a strategic financial plan.
§ Identify and meet requirements to maintain state and federal funding.
§ Institute an adequate and equitable fee structure for all services.
§ Identify and secure private source funding whose customers are served by VBPT.
§ Increase special services contracts.
§ Identify and maximize all federal and state funding sources.
§ Identify and implement cost saving initiatives.
GOAL #7: Provide safer service.
§ Ensure safe buses.
§ Ensure safety for customers
§ Be prepared for countywide emergencies.
The VBPT Study includes a detailed Action Plan and several resources on how to implement the recommendations in the Study. The Action Plan and resources are contained in separate document titled the Van Buren Transit Study Implementation Handbook.
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This page last updated on 6/18/2008.
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![We rely on Van Buren Public Transit! [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/government/rally2.jpg', 'We rely on Van Buren Public Transit!',696,575));)
![South Haven Dial A Ride Area [Click here to view full size picture]](javascript:showPic(new picObj('media/government/vbtransit_05_south_haven.gif', 'South Haven Dial A Ride Area',776,600));)