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BASTROP — Residents across Bastrop now have easier access to on-demand transportation, thanks to a recent expansion of the CARTS NOW service.
Capitol Area Rural Transit System officials announced the Bastrop zone of the CARTS NOW service now covers the entire city. Previously, some areas had been outside the service range.
“It usually takes six weeks, but our developer was able to get it done in four weeks to expand the Bastrop zone,” said Dana Platt, community engagement director for CARTS, during a recent City Council meeting.
The expansion was made possible by the addition of a third vehicle to the Bastrop fleet in March. Officials said the added efficiency has reduced wait times and increased ridership, reflecting the community’s growing demand for local transit.
The on-demand service operates within city limits from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customers are picked up from their location and dropped off at their chosen destination. One-way rides cost $2, with discounted rates for seniors 60 and older, residents with disabilities and children under 12, accompanied by an adult. Day passes and monthly passes are also available.
“Children 12 and up can ride without an adult. That’s a great thing right now for moms so they don’t have to shuttle kids around all summer and the kids can go to the pool,” Platt said.
While open to anyone, the service has been especially valuable for older adults and those with limited mobility, according to Platt, offering more independence for errands, appointments and social visits.
“We noticed that after COVID, seniors weren’t getting out of their houses,” Platt said. “They were used to getting meals delivered at home. So we really want to get them back out to the community centers, just to connect to neighbors, to get their hair done.”
Platt also introduced a new CARTS NOW mobile app, available for free download. The app allows for ride scheduling, live vehicle tracking and online payment.
Additional improvements are in the works, officials said, including electric bicycles at the CARTS station, more parking spaces, upgraded shelter, additional charging stations and an expanded park-and-ride lot.
CARTS offers regional routes connecting Bastrop residents to Austin and surrounding areas. All vehicles are accessible for people with disabilities. For more information, visit ridecarts.com or call 512-478-7433.
