News
New Routes & Free Bus ServiceGO Transit will begin operation of new bus routes on April 1, 2013. To help riders learn the new routes, all bus service will be free the first week of April (4/1 - 4/6). As riders may have noticed, GO Transit’s website has been updated to provide information about the new routes (new route maps, service hours, etc.). The trip planner app on GO Transit’s homepage (upper right side) is a great tool to begin learning the new routes and bus stop locations. Users must type “4/1/13” in the date field to view the new routes.
GO Transit appreciates our customers’ patience as we all transition to the new route system.
GO Plus – Convenience Fee Effective
Our mission at GO Transit is to provide reliable, affordable and accessible public transportation options to support our community’s mobility needs. In order to keep our paratransit services (GO Plus) operating reliably, we have taken steps to increase the number of passengers who schedule their trips at least 24 hours in advance. We have done so because trips requested with less than 24 hours notice make it more difficult for passengers to be picked up and dropped off on-time, can result in longer trips for passengers, and result in generally degraded customer service for all of our passengers. In 2012, over 50 percent of paratransit trips are still scheduled the same day the trip is used. This creates stress on the overall performance of the paratransit system and reduces the effectiveness of the service for all of our customers.
In order to reduce the number of same day service requests, we are implementing a $1 convenience fee for paratransit trips that are not scheduled with at least a 24 hour advanced notice. This policy became effective on January 1, 2013. It will apply to all of our paratransit programs, except will-calls (defined as unscheduled return trips from hospitals, including discharges) and those trips for which an agency fare is charged. Individuals who request their trips at least 24 hours in advance will not pay this fee.
The convenience fee policy is designed to promote advanced scheduling of trips. As a recipient of Federal funding, we are required to meet a number of performance standards for our ADA paratransit trips, including on-time performance. This policy will help us to meet our performance standards, reduce scheduling burden on dispatchers and increase the effectiveness of our service for all riders.
Pass Replacement Policy Ends
Effective January 1, 2013, GO Transit will no longer replace lost bus passes (monthly or 3-month). If a passenger loses a pass, they will need to pay the normal fare or purchase another bus pass.
New policy: GO Transit is not responsible for replacing lost or stolen passes and no refund will be made for the unused portion of passes.
Update on New Routes
GO Transit’s new bus routes will be implemented on April 1, 2013. Early in 2013, we will begin providing information to help you with the transition to our improved routes.
Thank you for riding and thanks for your patience as we prepare for this change.
GO Transit Launches “Freedom to GO” Program
GO Transit is proud to announce that effective October 6, 2012 seniors and persons with disabilities will be able to ride GO Transit buses for free on Saturdays. The “Freedom to GO” Program will run every Saturday from October 6, 2012 through March 30, 2013.
To qualify, seniors and persons with disabilities will need to show the bus driver one of the following forms of ID. Seniors age 60 and over qualify for the program by showing the bus driver any proof of age or their Senior Dial-a-Ride card. Persons with disabilities qualify by showing the bus driver their ADA paratransit card (green or yellow) or valid Medicare card.
The Freedom to GO Program was approved by the Transit Advisory Board on August 15, 2012. The free fare program applies to all GO Transit bus routes, including Route 10 service to Neenah, WI. The program does not include GO Plus paratransit services.
New Brand - GO Transit
On September 17, the City of Oshkosh's public transit system changed its name to GO Transit. While the system name has changed, the community can still expect the same focus on our customers. The new brand was developed to reflect our affordability, reliability, friendliness and professionalism. Additionally, GO Transit's paratransit service is now called GO Plus.
Why did we rebrand? Well, there are a number of reasons. First, the previous logo and colors (visual brand) were considered by some to be out of date. We wanted something new that would help promote our service. Second, a new brand would allow us to strengthen our presence in the community, build awareness, and ultimately attract new riders.
The process of changing to GO Transit is the outcome of staff, stakeholder and rider input into the key qualities that comprise the transit brand in Oshkosh. GO Transit thanks all of the community members that provided input into this rebranding process.
GO Transit – Serving Greater Oshkosh.