(Submitted by the City of Bowling Green)
The City of Bowling Green’s public transportation system, the B.G. Transit, marks its 30th anniversary this year. Bowling Green’s transit system first began operating in 1988, when the owner/driver of Ramos’ Taxi requested the City to transition the service from private to public transportation. In the beginning of its public transit tenure, the system was known as “B.G. Taxi.” It had only one car and one driver, and operated solely within Bowling Green’s corporation limits.
Over time, expansion and added progress occurred. Today, now named the B.G. Transit, it is a full-fledged Federal Transit Administration (5311 Rural) public transit system with seven vans—all of them accessible to persons with disabilities. Additionally, the system operates up to one mile outside the city’s limits; an expansion that took place in 2014. During 2017, the transit provided over 31,000 rides.
The B.G. Transit’s ridership data, to date this year, indicate it is likely at least as many trips will be recorded in 2018. The City of Bowling Green’s current service provider is Black & White Transportation. They have served in that capacity since 2003.
Quality focused, the B.G. Transit continuously receives high marks from both passengers and its primary funding source. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) last three onsite monitoring visits were conducted in 2008, 2012 and 2017. None of these extensive reviews resulted in any findings or follow-up actions; a rarity according to ODOT staff. Additionally, customer satisfaction surveys (conducted annually) yield high approval rates amongst B.G. Transit consumers, year after year.
The B.G. Transit is open to everyone for use. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For rides originating and ending within Bowling Green’s corporation limits, the general fare (one-way) is $4. For rides originating and/or ending outside the city limits, the general fare is also currently $4. Half-priced fares are available to persons aged 65 years or older, children (4-13 years of age) and those with disabilities. Passengers’ personal care attendants and language interpreters accompanying those with limited English proficiency ride for free as do children under the age of four.
For more information about the B.G. Transit (including how to receive the reduced fares noted above), please call (419) 354-6203. To schedule a ride, please call: 1-800-579-4299. For persons with speech and/or hearing impairments, contact us through the Ohio Relay Network at: 1-800-750 0750. To learn more about the B.G. Transit, check out our website: www.bgohio.org/grants/transportation or contact us at (419) 354-6203.
The B.G. Transit is funded, in part, through the City of Bowling Green, the Community Development Block Grant and operating grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
