Edmond’s new transit system starts July 1

/> Drivers have been hired and are in training this week. A manager and office manager also have been hired.

Edmond doesn’t have the $600,000 federal stimulus money at this time, Entz said.

The money is American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that have been allocated to the region from the Federal Transit Administration. The parking authority received the region’s $10 million allocation and has agreed to grant Edmond’s request for $600,000. An award letter is not available at this time.

Council members also approved a transportation service agreement with the University of Central Oklahoma for $172,767 for the college’s portion of the transit system.

University officials will pay $14,397.25 a month for bus service in and around the campus.

"This service is considerably different,” Entz said. "There are different routes that will be available to more students.”

University officials helped design the routes and hours of service. Entz said they will be paying less per hour and offering an additional 1,200 hours of service compared to the old Broncho Bus service.

The new bus service is free to riders.