Beginning March 3, 2025, My Ride will launch a 30-day Public Comment Period to gather feedback on proposed service changes aimed at addressing ongoing operational challenges.
My Ride has faced difficulties in maintaining service levels due to delays in obtaining the necessary equipment for bus repairs, in light of the bankruptcy announcement by bus manufacturer, Proterra, in November 2023. Limited access to necessary parts has impacted our ability to keep all full-sized buses in operation, requiring us to use paratransit vehicles on some routes. Because these vehicles have limited seating capacity and do not permit standing passengers, some riders have been unable to board.
While we have considered new buses, the timeline for order and delivery extends approximately two years. As an immediate alternative, the proposed service changes will help ensure continued and reliable transportation.
The most notable change would be the discontinuation of Route 1: Downtown Loop (Blue Route), while Route 2: Saluda/Heckle Loop (Green Route) will remain unchanged. Additionally, service for Route 3: Cherry/Riverwalk Line (Yellow Route) and Route 4: Dave Lyle/Galleria Line (Red Route) will be merged into a new route forming the Cherry/Dave Lyle Loop (Orange Route). These proposed service changes will result in two loop routes running one hour each, covering much of the current service area.
Additionally, there is consideration of changes to Saturday service for both fixed-route and paratransit, which could eliminate Saturday service or reduce hours to 9 AM-5 PM. Although we acknowledge the role each route has played in serving our community since service started in 2019, these proposed changes aim to ensure sustainability and efficiency of our bus services.
My Ride remains committed to serving all riders, including those with disabilities. My Ride Direct, our free paratransit service in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will continue to provide door-to-door transportation for eligible individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using the fixed-route services. My Ride Direct will continue operating within the existing service area, in addition to areas required by federal regulations.
We encourage community members to participate in the public comment period and share their feedback on the proposed changes. We are accepting comments by email at comments@myriderockhill.com, by phone at 803-329-RIDE (7433) or in-person at meetings at Rock Hill City Hall, 155 Johnston Street, on March 12, 2025, 6-7 PM and March 19, 2025 at 10 AM.
The Public Comment Period will end April 2, 2025.
For details on the proposed route changes, please view the public notice at https://www.cityofrockhill.com/home/showpublisheddocument/35758/638762741601332821