Seneca pursues dedicated bus stop

Seneca envisions a third dedicated bus stop to be located at the corner of E-S 6th Street and Goddard Avenue.  Part of the process requires a public hearing, which was attended last night by only two reporters.  But that’s acceptable, says Seneca’s Ed Halbig, because the city has sent letters to nearby residents offering them the chance to comment.  So far, the idea has met only one known opponent who is concerned about the cost and the effect that dedicated stops have on the current system to flagging down a bus within the service area.  Halbig, Seneca’s director of planning and community development, says simply putting up a bus stop sign is not all that’s involved.  There will be amenities, including a bench which, by federal rules, must be made accessible to handicapped riders.  No property purchase is required as the bus stop would be located within public right-of-way.  During last night’s hearing, Halbig did not estimate a cost for the bus stop, saying the process now is all about gathering public opinion on whether it’s needed.  Other dedicated bus stops are at the Oconee Memorial Hospital and the Norton-Thompson Park downtown.