The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has acquired four new vehicles to beef up its public transport services.<\/p>\n
COTA said the new vehicles are all \u201cmobility equipped vans\u201d that will replace the vans currently in service that are over 13 years old.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy investing in new rolling stock, COTA is able to provide better options for moving around our island,\u201d said newly appointed transport chief Alfreda Camacho.<\/p>\n
The total cost of the purchase is $283,980 through a grant from the Federal Transit Administration.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people of the CNMI deserve modern and reliable transportation services that support the quality of life and economic vitality of the islands,\u201d Camacho added.<\/p>\n
Acting governor Ralph DLG. Torres said the modern vehicles would provide everyone\u2014including students, working individuals, people with disabilities, and visitors\u2014access to public transportation around our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is part of the administration\u2019s goal to reduce traffic, fossil fuel consumption, and to provide readily accessible public transportation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
COTA reported that as of April, its Call-A-Ride Saipan ridership totaled 9,696 and is steadily increasing. The ADA paratransit service fare for riders with disabilities, senior citizens (55+), and children at age 5 is $3 one way. Children below 4 years old are free.<\/p>\n
As of December 2013, CARS expanded and opened its ADA paratransit service to include the general public for a $5 one-way fare. Any individual may call CARS in advance to reserve a ride the next day or up to seven days of scheduled ride.<\/p>\n
CARS operation is from 6am to 9pm. Monday through Friday and from 6a to 6pm.<\/p>\n
Bigger project<\/p>\n
In an earlier interview, Vince C. Merfalen, COTA mobility management and transit coordinator, said an even bigger public transport program is currently being developed\u201410 buses, each with a capacity of 20 to 30, plying seven routes across Saipan.<\/p>\n
He said the project is expected to start in two year\u2019s time, if funding will be made available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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