If you go
What: Final public workshop on the future of public transportationWhen: An open house begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and the meeting starts at 6 p.m.Where: Chattanooga Choo Choo Imperial BallroomMore Info: www.MTCStudy.org
If you go
WHAT: The third and final public input session on CARTA’s proposed transportation center is scheduled at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Imperial Ballroom. An open house starts at 5:30 p.m.
CARTA’s final public workshop to take input about the future of public transportation is scheduled next week. Everyone who uses public transportation needs to attend, said Lisa Maragnano, CARTA’s executive director.
CARTA is considering a multimodal transportation center, a one-stop shop for all forms of transportation in the city. It would be a well-lit place for people to catch the Mega Bus, rent a bicycle, catch a taxi, carpool or even catch a train if some city leaders’ dreams come true.
CARTA also is contemplating providing bus service to outlying communities like Collegedale and Ooltewah, Maragnano said Thursday after the transportation agency’s monthly board meeting.
The public hearing is important “because it affects them,” Maragnano said. “We want to make sure that we’re putting services in the places where it’s needed.”
The third and final public input session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. CARTA officials will share with the public the results of their input and feedback from the previous two meetings, said Veronica Peebles, CARTA’s manager of communications.
Based on suggestions, residents want the Multimodal Transportation Center located downtown, possibly in areas such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex or the old U.S. Pipe property off Broad Street.
The two options are among the top nine locations suggested for the center, said Maragnano.
CARTA started the transportation study two years ago. The transportation agency heard concerns from downtown businesses stating that instead of having people hanging out on the streets waiting for transportation, there should be a central location where people can wait for rides or the bus.
More downtown eateries want sidewalks clear of waiting bus riders so they may set up tables outdoors, she said.
Funding will determine when CARTA’s Multimodal Transportation Center comes to fruition. CARTA is considering public-private partnerships and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery competitive grant funding.
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 757-6431.