BJCTA Cancels Bus Service to Fairfield Over Significant Back Payment
Birmingham City Council members want to restore bus service to Fairfield following a vote this week by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to stop service to the area on July 5.
The BJCTA board says they made the decision to shut down the route 41 bus line to Fairfield because the city owes them back payment of more than $500,000. The route is said to service thousands of people per month and includes stops at downtown Fairfield, Miles College, Crossplex and Fairfield High School.
“Though Fairfield is neighboring municipality in Central Alabama, the success of their city is just as important to the success of this entire region,” Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin says. “Further, the citizens of Fairfield that rely on transit are going to jobs, some of which are in the City of Birmingham on a daily basis. With the elimination of over 10,000 rides a month, this certainly will have a ripple effect on the jobs and revenue that I believe Birmingham would incur.”
In a letter to Mayor William Bell, Councilman Austin suggested providing financial support to restore at least a minimal bus service to Fairfield. He recommends discussing a possible negotiated payment amount with BJCTA as well as looking for additional resources.
This story has been corrected. It previously said service will stop June 1.
Where did Barry Jenkins feel safe as a kid? Atop a tree
Director Barry Jenkins is best known for films like "Moonlight" and "If Beale Street Could Talk." On Wild Card, he opens up about where he felt the safest as a kid.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 20, including five children
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Sunday killed at least 20 people, including five children, Palestinian medical officials said.
I discovered one way to fight loneliness: The Germans call it a Stammtisch
Modern life can be lonely. Some are looking to an old German tradition – of drinking and conversation – to deepen connection through regular meetups.
This Christmas I’ll be grieving. Here’s how I’ll be finding joy.
Since her husband's death, newscaster Windsor Johnston has been looking for ways to recapture joy and continue her healing journey — one that's taken her to a place she'd never expected.
On tap for the holidays: A blend of multicultural drink traditions and fond memories
For this year's All Things Considered holiday cocktail interview, we visited Providencia in Washington, D.C., a bar that brings its owners' personal stories to life.
College students get emotional about climate change. Some are finding help in class
A recent survey finds that more than half of young people aged 16-25 are highly worried about climate change. Some universities are now trying to help them navigate those emotions in class.
