Ride Acadiana bus service begins with a bang

The first week of a six-month pilot bus service, “Ride Acadiana,” is up and running as of Monday, Aug. 20, providing a regional commuter bus transit system, connecting Acadia Parish to Lafayette.
In addition, commuters between Acadia Parish and Lafayette were able get to try Ride Acadiana free of charge this first week of operation (Aug. 20-24).
“We’re encouraged by the interest in the service already and want to provide riders every opportunity to give it a try,” said Monique Boulet, Chief Executive Officer of the Acadiana Planning Commission.
The service has stops in Crowley, Rayne, Duson, Scott and Lafayette.
Following the free first week, regular fares will begin. Discounts are available for people 65 years and over, and those disabled or on Medicare. Children 5 and younger ride free.
Acadia Parish residents will be able to access the Ride Acadiana bus from several locations Crowley, Rayne and Duson.
Pick-up and drop-off stops in Rayne are at the following three locations:
• Southside Community Center, corner of 4th Street and Anding, a designated park and ride location, parking lot available;
• American Legion Drive (near the American Home), 2nd Street and American Legion Drive, street parking is a designated park and ride location; and
• Corner of Hwy 90 and Arenas Street near Post Office (drop-off point with no designated parking).
“It is obvious the benefits to our connecting communities, including opportunities to seek better, affordable education options, as well as better-paying jobs that will fuel our local economy,” Rayne Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux said. “Sometimes the little things some take for granted, like transportation, can make or break our dreams from becoming reality.”
There also will be a numerous stops in Crowley, one in Scott, as well as three stops in the city of Lafayette. The Lafayette stops will be at the campuses of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College, and in the Oil Center near Lafayette General Medical Center.
The bus service is intended to provide greater access to employment and education opportunities, healthcare resources and more.
“Ride Acadiana will provide commuters between Acadia Parish and Lafayette with easy, affordable access to transportation, with the additional benefit of reducing the number of vehicles on the road,” states Boulet. “With the success of this pilot route, our hope is to be able to offer similar service in other surrounding parishes.”
The following fare structure has been established:
• Two-ride card - $5 / $2 for riders 65+, disabled and Medicare recipients;
• 12-ride card - $20 / $10 for riders 65+, disabled and Medicare recipients; and
• Children under five years old ride free. Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Additionally, exact change will be accepted on the bus.
Ride passes are available for purchase at Rayne City Hall. Cash or money order will be accepted. For additional information, call 334-3121.
The pilot route is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with support from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) is administering the program and has entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement with Lafayette Consolidated Government to operate the route through Lafayette Transit System.
For complete details, visit RideAcadiana.com.