Waco Transit officials are hoping new bus stops in Chilton, Robinson and Golinda will boost ridership on a route that brings Marlin workers into Waco.

Since 2007, the city bus company has run a bus six times a day connecting Marlin with downtown Waco and the Sanderson Farms poultry plant. Earlier this month, the route was altered to create a loop that includes both State Highway 6 and State Highway 77, adding about seven miles to the journey.

On weekdays, the four morning runs hit Marlin first, then head through Chilton and Robinson on Highway 77. The two afternoon runs go the opposite way. Reduced service is also offered Saturday.

Waco Transit director John Hendrickson said he hopes that the additional stops will double ridership on the Marlin route, which currently has 1,200 to 1,500 riders per month. So far, the increase has been small, with about 30 additional riders in the first week, but he expects activity to pick up after word gets out and people get accustomed to public transit.

The route is funded by a three-year, $420,000 federal grant through the Texas Workforce Commission. Sanderson Farms and Marlin banks have also contributed to the route.

Cost to ride the bus is $5 for a day pass and $70 for a 31-day pass.

jbsmith@wacotrib.com

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