Chilton County Transit has added a new vehicle to improve service throughout the county.

A new 2008 Ford E-350 bus arrived recently at the transportation office in Clanton. It features side seating for passengers, and is wheelchair accessible with space for two wheelchairs at one time.

Transit Authority director Jan Davis said this would replace a 12-year-old bus that is currently in service.

“The old bus is showing signs of aging and has needed repairs,” Davis said. “The new bus should help us cut down on our maintenance and repair costs.”

The bus was paid 80-percent by a federal grant funneled through the Alabama Department of Transportation, and the rest was paid out of local contributions from the Chilton County Commission, all four municipalities and other donations.

The grant will also allow the authority to purchase a minivan to add to its fleet, but it has not yet been delivered.

The Chilton County Transit Authority offers rides to anyone that needs them to get around Chilton County, but Davis said they must call at least 24 hours ahead of time to schedule a pick up.

“We have routes that cover the whole county, but you must call ahead to schedule a pick-up time,” Davis said. “We do our best to accommodate everyone who calls us.”

The authority runs routes from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day with the busiest time of day being between 6 and 10 a.m. While all the routes mostly run in the county, there are bus routes to Birmingham and Montgomery for doctor’s appointments.

Most of the people who ride the buses are senior citizens, but Davis said rides are open to anyone who needs one. There is a fare for riding the bus. In Clanton, it is $3 plus 50 cents for each stop. For areas outside Clanton, the price increases depending on the mileage.

For more information about the transit authority, call 755-5941.