AMA: What is the GoBus?

AMA stands for “Ask Michael Anything,” and is our readers’ chance to ask reporter Michael V. Hannigan questions about Henderson County.

QUESTION: Christi Weinstein asked me to explain the GoBus that she sees around town.

SOURCES: The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and my own reporting on public transportation issues over the past five years.

ANSWER: The GoBus is ETCOG’s on demand public transportation system. … I am also going to talk about the Chariot Bus Line, because it is closely related.

“ETCOG’S GOBUS rural transportation system operates a safe, dependable, and effective transportation network that provides mobility, improves the quality of life, and stimulates economic development through the provision of rural public transportation services,” according to the website.

To catch a ride on the GoBus, you must call 24 hours in advance and schedule a pickup, and you must call before 2 p.m. for next day service. Call toll free 1-800 590-3371.

Monday through Friday, the GoBus runs within the county from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. A one-way ticket costs $2.

On Tuesdays, the GoBus runs from cities within Henderson County to Tyler. Arrival in Tyler is about 10 a.m. and departure is about 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Once again, 24-hour advance notice is required.

Here is the complete GoBus schedule within Henderson County. 

The GoBus is a very useful form of public transportation, but it is limited in what it can do. It only goes out of the county once a week and you must call ahead to reserve a spot.

In September 2012, the Chariot Bus Line was formed to try and bridge the gap between what the GoBus can do, and what some Athens residents need. At first, the bus made trips between Athens and Tyler twice a day, Monday through Friday.

Last week, service was expanded to include a Monday-Friday shuttle service inside of Athens. 

Chariot is actually a labor of love and a ministry outreach from Gates Community Church in Athens. You can read the original story I wrote back when the bus service opened here, if you are interested.

If you are interested in their routes and low-price tickets, check out their website here. http://www.thechariotbuslines.com/