Coast Transit Authority Ads Announce Big Changes Ahead

Barbara Leseure of Biloxi rides the bus just about everyday. She relies on the service to get to her part-time job or to run errands.

"No, I don't own a car because I'm out of town too much. As a result, it's easier just for me to use the bus when I'm here," Leseure said.

While Leseure likes the convenience, there's one thing she wants changed. She is asking for bus service on Pass Road on Sundays.

"I think that will help a lot of people because that would give them better access. Some of them go to church, plus go to stores and grocery stores. So it would be helpful," Leseure said.

That's the kind of comment the Coast Transit Authority wants to hear. The CTA is running ads, asking for feedback about the public transit system.

Reid Hopper is the CTA director.

"We like to hear from the people to see exactly where they'd like to go, and what their interests are".

Future ads will announce some big changes ahead, like a new public transit facility that's going up in downtown Gulfport. The project includes a 500 vehicle garage where people can park their cars, hop on a hybrid electric bus and head to their destinations.

"This is all about promoting public transit as an alternative solution to a one car one person, especially with all the smart growth issues, with the air pollution we have going on and the traffic congestion in the downtown business district. So we're excited about it," Hopper said.

The $6 million transit facility in Gulfport is expected to be finished and in operation by the end of the year. CTA also plans to build a transit center in downtown Biloxi. That project could start as early as July.

by Trang Pham-Bui