T
he Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, which operates the county-wide KRT public bus system, is proposing additional service modifications on select routes.
According to information on KRT’s website, agency officials are seeking to eliminate partial or full fixed service on the following routes:
- #10 City Park/Northgate/Hillcrest
- #11 Wertz Avenue
- #13 Beech Avenue
- #15 South Hills
- #16 South Park
- #18 Fort Hill/Montrose
Under the proposal, the aforementioned routes would be replaced with on-demand service through the KRT Plus program.
KRT Plus allows riders to call ahead for service, providing on-demand transportation to locations within specific zones or points of interest.
Unlike a regular bus line, which has specific stops at pre-determined time intervals, KRT Plus acts in much the same way existing ride-share apps, like Uber or Lyft, do.
Officials with KRT say the suggested changes come down to economics.
“This is being proposed due to the high cost-per-passenger rate of the above-fixed routes,” officials wrote on KRT’s website.
The routes under consideration cost KRT an average of $24-$48 per passenger in April of this year, KRT representatives said. That’s far above the industry standard of $5-$7 per passenger, they say.
“KRT believes that we owe it to our riders and taxpayers to look at alternatives that deliver better value with the same funding,” KRT wrote.
Previous modifications
The recent service modification proposals come on the heels of several volatile years for the public transportation agency.
In the winter of 2023, after a comprehensive review, analysts recommended service and route changes be made on existing bus lines. Officials received public comments on the proposed changes during the summer and fall of 2024.
In September of 2024, KRT’s governing board voted 12-1 to cancel Sunday service on all bus routes, modify some existing routes and implement the new KRT Plus service. Many of those changes were enacted beginning in February 2025.
In May of this year, KRT announced minor changes to the timetable of some routes, citing driver and passenger feedback.
The agency has also piloted routes on lines where service had been reduced in February. One such pilot, a Saturday run between Elkview Crossing Mall and Clendenin, was previously featured in this publication.
Upcoming public hearings
Currently, KRT leader have taken no further action on the routes under the proposal. But changes could be forthcoming.
KRT will host two public hearings on the newest proposal at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, and noon on Friday, June 27. Both hearings will take place at the Kanwaha County Public Library’s Main Branch at 123 Capitol St. in Charleston.
The hearings, which will be held in the library’s third-floor GKVF Meeting Room (room number 311C) will allow the public to provide input before a final decision is made. KRT will also discuss expanding KRT Plus into three new zones -- Kanawha City, South Charleston and Southridge.
Those unable to attend in-person may attend virtually via Zoom. Instructions for virtual participants will be available at www.rideonkrt.com/public prior to the hearing. A recording will also be posted online.
Public comments can be mailed to KRT, Attention: Public Comment, P.O. Box 1188, Charleston, WV 25324 or by emailing bwarner@rideonkrt.com.
KRT’s Board of Director’s next meeting is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, according to their most recent agenda. It will take place at KRT Headquarters, 1550 Fourth Ave. in Charleston.
