A decades-long effort is finally paying off for the Butler Transit Authority as four of the five compressed natural gas coach buses that will be used for a commuter service to Pittsburgh arrived Monday.
The service could begin as early as next year and will start no later than July 1. PennDOT, and the state budget, will dictate when the buses go into service, according to transit Executive Director John Paul.
“I’ve been working on this for 10 years,” Paul said Tuesday. “Westmoreland County has over 19 buses that go into Pittsburgh everyday. Beaver County has 15. We had service through Myers Coach but it really wasn’t commuter service.”
Paul said comfort and convenience for the commuter is key as the authority is planning out the new service. The new buses have WiFi and USB ports, as well as overhead storage compartments and leg room.
“It’s like being in an airplane,” he said.
Plans are still being finalized but there will likely be several routes that would travel different roadways- including Route 8 and Route 68. Ride prices will be between $4-$5 one-way, depending if you pay cash or not.
The compressed natural gas fueling station that will house and fuel the buses is expected to ready by the spring of 2018. In the meantime, the authority is looking for a contractor to provide temporary fueling options.
“Hopefully for people that want a little less stress going into Pittsburgh everyday, this will be an answer for them,” Paul said.
