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Officials hope transit over parish lines will make Acadiana better connected

Posted at 5:55 PM, Aug 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-13 18:56:00-04

One week from today, Lafayette Transit will start its first route ever to cross parish lines, circling through Acadia Parish and Lafayette.

KATC’s Abby Breidenbach takes us on that route which city leaders hope will make a better connected Acadiana.

“It’s always good and regionalism is a growing thing. it’s not just Crowley it’s not just Rayne, it’s not just Lafayette anymore, it’s the Acadiana region,” said Crowley Mayor Gregg Jones.

The western portion of the Acadiana region will soon be more accessible with bus routes out of Lafayette going to and from Acadia Parish, serving Scott, Duson, Rayne, and Crowley. The 16 rider buses will make twenty stops on each trip, taking four trips in the afternoons and four every morning.

“Transit at its core mission is about providing transportation from point A to point B but its as much about connecting people to opportunities so we’re hopeful this regional transit route will connect people to amenities that are offered in Lafayette,” said Warren Abadie, Lafayette Transportation Engineer.

Major Lafayette stops include UL, SLCC, University Hospital and Lafayette General but the route isn’t just to bring people to Lafayette. The City of Scott hopes this will bring more visitors to their businesses and attractions.

“I definitely see people wanting to come in and eat at some of our fine restaurants and to come in and visit Scott. Everybody wants an opportunity to come visit,” said Scott Mayor Purvis Morrison.

The stops in each city are located in heavy populated areas or safe and free places to park and ride. The opening week will be free for all riders.

A round trip will cost five dollars or riders can purchase twelve trips for twenty.