V-Line (bus)
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The V-Line Bus is a local bus service operating in Valparaiso, Indiana. Service began on October 1, 2007 making Valparaiso one of the smallest cities in the United States to have its own independent public transit system.[1] [2]
The V-line is operated by McDonald Transit, a national transit operator primarily serving universities. In Valparaiso, the bus mostly serves the elderly and students of Valparaiso University. Commuters within the city also use it, but it is secondary to personal vehicles as a mode of transit.[3]
The system consists of 104 stops along 4 lines. The Green Line, Yellow Line, and Brown Line operate in the city of Valparaiso on weekdays and weekends. These three lines run as "flexible fixed" routes, meaning they have standard, scheduled stops which can be altered en route to meet the needs of those who cannot otherwise reach the bus.[4] The fourth line, the Orange Line, operates express from Valparaiso to and from the South Shore rail on weekends only.[5]
The system was started using a $615,000 federal grant. Until early 2008, the buses are used, rented 16-24 person capacity minibuses. In Jan. 2008, new buses of similar capacity will be delivered.[6] A standard one-way fare costs $1.00 with any transfers being free. Senior citizens, children 5-18, and the disabled ride for half price. Young children (under age 4) and Valparaiso University students ride for free.[7]. Future expansion calls for weekday commuter service to Dune Park, addition service in downtown Valparaiso, and express commuter service to Chicago.[2]
[edit] References
- http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/v-line/index.html
- http://www.post-trib.com/news/opinion/588372,edit.article
- http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/10/07/news/porter_county/doca286ef29642301de8625736c0081d60b.txt
- ibid
- http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/v-line/routes.html
- http://www.masstransitmag.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=3&id=4512
- http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/v-line/riderinfo.html
