We are continually receiving input from passengers, bus operators, community groups and local agencies. This input helps to direct our research and analysis of bus routes. To better understand how our planning process works, we have described a typical route analysis below:

1. A service challenge is identified.
2. Staff members ride the bus route(s) being analyzed and collect data by field surveying, counting passengers, assessing travel times, measuring distances, timing traffic and seasonal delays, and speaking directly with passengers and bus operators. Electronic data from the AVL and fare collection systems supports these analyses.
3. Staff combines all this information to develop an initial analysis of the problem and proposes a solution.
4. The initial proposal is adjusted and solidified. If the needed changes are significant, Staff will seek official public comments regarding the proposed changes. (Input from the public is vital to determining how best to structure routes, and how each proposed change will affect passengers.)
5. Each public comment received is recorded and reviewed by SolTrans' Planning Staff. Although all requests may not be accommodated, all requests will be considered and are appreciated.
6. While public comments are being submitted, Staff seeks input from SolTrans Advisory Committees, and the SolTrans Board of Directors.
7. A decision will be made as to whether a new official public comment period is needed. If so, the refinement period begins again. If not, final approval from relevant agencies is obtained, and the proposal is communicated to the public, before being implemented.
8. Once changes have been implemented, Staff continues to observe the impacted routes and services in order to determine whether or not the process has been successful, or if further changes are needed.

Current and past plans are listed below: