Amid a shortage of dozens of staffers, the Chapel Hill Transit System is set to implement temporary changes to its frequency and operation of routes.

The system announced Thursday that starting Monday, September 20, several schedule adjustments will go into effect with the aim of improving reliability of buses. Consistency in scheduling has been affected since the start of August, when Chapel Hill Transit began running all of its routes again, due to 36 full-time and 15 part-time positions being open.

One of the most notable changes will be last trips for most routes will run around 8 p.m., instead of later into the night for longer routes. Additionally, the F, G, HS and T routes will only run during peak morning and evening hours to provide commuting options for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools students, as well as UNC Hospitals and university employees.

On the weekends, Chapel Hill Transit riders for the 420, CL, NU, weekend J and weekend NS bus lines will also see fewer trips, while a popular Park and Ride Lot will briefly close and consolidate riders.

The transit system stressed these changes will only remain in place until more drivers are hired to fill the empty roles, which takes several months of training. Requirements for potential drivers include being at least 18 years old and having a valid drivers license, a clean driving record within at least the past five years and a desire to serve the Chapel Hill community.

Here’s a full list of updates from Chapel Hill Transit, which can also be found here.

The last trip on most routes will run until 8 p.m.

  • On weekdays, the NS route will run less frequently until 10 p.m.
  • On weekends, the J and NS routes will run every hour and 20 minutes.
  • The schedule for FCX and NU routes will not change

No midday service on F, G, HS & T routes.

The F, G, HS, and T routes will only run between 6:30 and 9 a.m. and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. to provide options for students and employees commuting to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UNC Hospitals.

  • F Route Trips (from Jones Ferry Road): 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. & 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
  • G Route Trips (from Booker Creek): 7 and 8 a.m. & 3 and 4 p.m.
  • HS Route Trips (from Morris Grove): 7:15, 7:50 & 8:25 a.m. and 3:25, 4:00 & 4:35 p.m.
  • T Route Trips (from ECHHS): 7:05 and 8:05 a.m. & 4:10 and 5:15 p.m.

420, CL, NU, weekend J, and weekend NS customers will have fewer trips.

  • The NU route will run every 30 minutes
  • The CL route will run about every 40 minutes
  • Route 420 will run at the following times
    • 6:00, 6:55, 8:00 & 8:30 a.m. from Hillsborough
    • 3:40, 4:40, 5:45 & 6:15 p.m. from UNC Hospitals
  • The weekend J will run every hour and 20 minutes
  • The weekend NS will run every hour and 20 minutes

Friday Center South Park and Ride Lot users will need to use the Friday Center Park and Ride Lot.

The Friday Center South Park and Ride Lot will be closed (formerly the NC-54 Park and Ride Lot.)

  • The S route will serve the Friday Center Park and Ride Lot
  • The FCX route will serve stops on NC-54 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

 

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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