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.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
