Wanted: more Hispanic drivers and riders on 'Red Rabbit'

OAKWOOD - There was a call Tuesday for more Spanish-speaking drivers on the Red Rabbit bus line in Gainesville and the surrounding area.

At the first of four scheduled public hearings in Oakwood at Blackshear Place Library on the future of the bus system, the general manager of Hall Area Transit also heard support for expanding the bus service.
Hispanic citizens told Janice Crow more Hispanic Red Rabbit bus drivers who are bilingual would lead to more Hispanic passengers on new routes scheduled to begin next January…one of the routes would serve Oakwood and Gainesville State College.

That's what Guillermo Castellanos told the transit officials; Castellanos, from Mexico, said he wants to become a 'Red Rabbit' driver; he estimated a taxi ride at five to $20 depending on distance.
Crowe said it’s a dollar a ride on 'Red Rabbit', 50 cents for students, seniors and disabled persons.

“That’s part of the reason the Transit Development Plan not only has us running out Atlanta Highway, but it also has us running Highway 129 in a future year,” Crow said.

Crow said more Hispanic drivers are definitely in Red Rabbit’s present and future.

“We now have two dispatchers in the office who are bilingual and we have one part time bilingual operator,” Crow said. “We’re always open to having bilingual operators.”


The proposed changes, scheduled to take effect in January, include the reconfiguration of two current Red Rabbit routes and the addition of one new route. In addition to the Atlanta Highway to GSC service, more direct service is planned to Brenau University’s nursing school at Featherbone Communiversity, and AVITA, a developmental disabilities provider, both in Gainesville.

Berry Guilfoile, AVITA regional director, said the new route would benefit her clients, who also pay taxi fees.

"This will allow them to get to appointments without having to spend money on taxis and what not," she said.

Other hearings this week are at 12:00 and 2:30 at Gainesville State College Wednesday and at 5:00 Thursday at the Community Services Center.
People unable to attend the hearings were invited to send written comments in writing to Crow at Hall Area Transit, 687 Main Street Gainesville, Ga. 30501.