The Chilton County Transit has added three new 15-passenger buses to its system.

The 2010 Ford E-350 buses feature side seating for passengers and are wheelchair accessible with space for two wheelchairs at one time.

The buses were funded by a federal grant through the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and contributions from the Chilton County Commission, all four local municipalities and other donations.

The authority has seven buses that travel to and from Maplesville, Verbena, Jemison, Isabella, Thorsby and Clanton, averaging about 700 miles and 85-90 passengers per day.

“A lot of people think the buses are just for the elderly and disabled, but it is for everyone,” said Aaron Little, Chilton County Transit Director. “We take people to the hospital, doctor visits and out of town.”

The authority runs routes from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day with its busiest times of the day being between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Passengers wanting to use the service must call to schedule a ride at least 24 hours in advance.

“We do our maintenance with local people and spend locally,” said Little. “We try to keep all spending in this county. This is a service to the community.”

Fares for riding the bus are:

$1.50 one way and $3 round trip within the Clanton city limits

$2 one way and $4 round trip to Lomax

$2.50 one way and $5 round trip to Thorsby

$4 one way and $8 round trip to Jemison

$4.50 one way and $9 round trip to North Chilton County

$8 one way and $15 to Calera/Montevallo area

$8 one way and $15 round trip to Maplesville

$3 one way and $6 round trip to Verbena/Coopers,

$6 one way and $12 round trip to South Chilton County

$30 round trip to Birmingham

$25 round trip to Montgomery

For more information regarding the Chilton County Transit, call 755-5941.