A recently-completed study of Wood County public transportation has prompted Bowling Green to expand the
service area for B.G. Transit.
Municipal Administrator John Fawcett told city council Monday night the city has received permission from
the Ohio Department of Transportation to conduct a six-month demonstration project that expands the
coverage area to one mile outside the city limits.
Fawcett said the idea had been tossed around internally a year or more ago. "Then the county review
of transportation served as an impetus for us to make a formal request to ODOT. This will allow us to
evaluate the true demand for service, which we believe exists," he said.
The ODOT’s permission is required because B.G. Transit receives the bulk of its operating and vehicle
funding through funds controlled by the ODOT. Other support comes from the city and fares.
Fawcett said there will be a review after four months and a full report after six months. He said
employees of the firm with which the city contracts to operate B.G. Transit will be placing door hangars
in the area being added to explain the service.
"This is a win-win for the city and those residents who live right outside of the city," City
Grants Administrator Tina Bradley said Monday afternoon. "People will be able to go to businesses
just outside the city and places like the Wood County Historical Museum," she said. The service
will also extend to Maurer’s Mobile Home Court on Brim Road.
Bradley said after about six months there will be a public hearing to seek comments on the expansion and
how it might be tweaked.
All seven transit vehicles are accessible to persons with disabilities. Service hours are Monday through
Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For rides originating and ending within the city limits the general fare (one way) is $3.50, with reduced
fares available to those aged 65 years and older, children four to 13 years of age and those with
disabilities.
General fares for rides originating or ending outside Bowling Green’s corporation limits are $4 and $2
for those eligible to receive reduced fares.
Rides may be scheduled at 1-800-579-4299.
Council also:
• Introduced legislation intended to reduce the amount of time it takes to approve site plans in
S-districts, while still allowing public comment. The matter was referred to the BG Planning Commission
and council set its hearing for June 16 at 6 p.m.
• Heard Mike Ott, president of the board of the Northwest Ohio Tractor Pullers Association, give a brief
overview of an economic impact study the group commissioned on the National Tractor Pulling
Championships. A full story on the report was published on the front page of the Feb. 28
Sentinel-Tribune.
• Heard a reminder for the April 28 Community Open House from 5 to 8 p.m. intended to allow residents to
learn about and comment on the work being done on the city’s future land use plan update. The event will
be held at The Melt Shoppe, 145 N. Main St.
• Learned the a Phase 1 archaeology review of the athletic fields area around the Community Center has
been completed. The review was required because of a $70,000 state grant and was requested by the Ohio
Historical Society. The first fields should be ready for play in the spring of 2015.
• Learned the city has completed its review of approximately 70 complaints regarding mailbox damage from
snow plowing. Director of Public Works Brian Craft said the city replaced six mailboxes it determined
were struck by plows. Temporary mailboxes were supplied to approximately 20 residents.