Video
Below is a youtube file of my first package story for JRN 415 capstone course. This was a live broadcast on Channel 15 in Oxford on Thursday, February 4th, 2010. This story is also published on Mi-whi.org
New to Oxford: The In-town Parking Shuttle
By Kasie Baltes
Just when you thought there was no end to the crowded parking lots, expensive meters and parking regulations, a new public transportation system comes to Oxford.
Oxford’s new in-town shopping shuttle picks you up at your door and can take you anywhere within Oxford’s city limits.
For a one-way fare of $2, Oxford residents can get a ride between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.The shuttle is also air-conditioned and handicap-accessible for guest’s convenience.
Carla Lakatos, the executive director for Butler County’s Regional Transit Authority, is very excited about this shuttle and hopes to see an increase in usage.
“This is the first time we’ve had affordable public transportation in the city of Oxford. It is really there to help us offer something and find out where is the demand. Is there a demand? Will people use it? And hopefully the answer is yes and hopefully we will find ways to expand services here,” Lakatos said.
Butler County Regional Transit Authority introduced this shuttle Dec. 8, 2009. It is intended to run as a pilot program until April.
The shuttle is intended for all Oxford residents, including Miami students, and is particularly appealing to those students without access to a car on campus.
Darin Smith, a junior at Miami University, sees the benefits of a public transportation system in Oxford.
“I think having a bus on campus makes you more accessible to Wal-Mart, Kroger and some of the other retail that is not uptown or within walking distance and I think it could come in handy,” Smith said.
If you are interested in taking a ride for yourself, call the Butler County Regional Transit Authority dispatcher at 513-785-5237.You must call one day in advance to arrange your trip.
Click here for more information.
