From more signage to electronic payments, residents suggested the existing city bus system can be improved. Transit Superintendent Brian Horinka agreed improvements can be made.

“We made a lot of changes over the years, but there’s a lot of changes that still need to be made. We want that kind of input, but we also want that support when the time comes,” he said.

The development of a transit plan began last fall and will need budget approval from the city council this spring and implementation approval from the council this fall. The council needs to hear from the public, Horinka said.

“We’re here to provide services to the public, and we want to provide what the public needs,” he said.

Jill Schramm/MDN Central Dakota MPO Executive Director John Van Dyke, left, and City of Minot Transit Superintendent Brian Horinka, right, take questions from the public at an input meeting on a transportation plan in Minot City Hall Tuesday, Jan. 20.

A second public meeting to take additional comment is set for Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 4:30-6 p.m. in Minot City Hall, council chambers.

The Transit Development Plan aims to identify community needs, gaps and opportunities, according to the Central Dakota Metropolitan Planning Organization. It will evaluate ridership trends and costs, recommend service improvements and investments over the next 5-10 years, help prioritize implementation and funding, incorporate public input in transit decisions and ensure a smooth transition from rural status to urban status under the federal funding program.

The City of Minot operates eight bus routes using four buses, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. To keep any changes cost-neutral will require staying within the current number of buses and total service hours.

A community service conducted last fall found the most requested service improvement is marked bus stop locations and shelters, supported by 44% of respondents. The second most sought change is weekend service, favored by 29.4%. Early morning and late evening hours also were favored by 26.6%. While 23.8% requested easier payments, such as mobile apps or smart cards, 60% of respondents were willing to use those options.

Respondents who don’t use transit indicated they prefer driving or other options, 50%, or the service isn’t available where they live or work, 20.3%. Other reasons included difficulty accessing or unaware of the schedules or routes.

Of those who responded to the survey, 16% were transit users. However, 40.6% of respondents support expanding transit.