Maricopa, Ariz. (January 5, 2010) – On Thursday, January 7, 2010, the City of Maricopa Development Services Department will host a public meeting to gather information from potential transit riders, their travel behavior and obtain their input on transit issues. This is the first public meeting in a 5-month Transit Feasibility Study Update that will identify potential transit solutions for Maricopa residents. The meeting will be held at the First Baptist Church, 18705 N. John Wayne Parkway, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The study will not only define the most promising routes internal and external to Maricopa, but will also build a solid foundation for possible future transit expansion within the Pinal County region. “We need all potential transit riders to participate in the transit study update,” said Director Brent Billingsley. “The information we gather will be incredibly valuable in addressing transit needs that will affect the entire community for a long time.” When the study is complete, the Mayor and Council will review the findings and make the final selection of the locally preferred alternative and possible external modifications. The potential exists, through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Rural Transit Program (Section 5311), to receive federal funding for the transit system within the study area that would become the nucleus of a potentially great expanded system.

For more information about the meeting, please call Transit Coordinator Kellee Kelley at (520) 316-6948 or visit www.MaricopaXPRESS.com.