Beginning November 1, 2009, the Apple Bus Company will provide Metro Van and Care-A-Van services under a new contract approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on August 31, 2009.

Apple Bus is a transit company based in Cleveland, Missouri, and has experience running similar transit systems around the country.  They have purchased a facility in Kalamazoo and all of their local operations will be based in kalamazoo.  Apple bus has also retained many of the current employees, so you will recognize many of the drivers and schedule rides with the same dispatchers as you do now.

In the past, Metro Van and Care-A-Van have been operated under two contracts as separate services.  The services will now be combined under the new contract as one service known as Metro County Connect.  ADA (Metro Van) service will be known as Metro County Connect Access.

This will make both services more efficient, cost effective and allow passengers more access to scheduling rides.  Services will remain the same and you will not see any significant changes in the way you use either service.  One service will make it easier for all passengers to travel anywhere in Kalamazoo County as needed.

The vehicles will look the same as they do now, but with a Metro County Connect logo.  We have added 22 new vehicles to the fleet, so Apple Bus will not have to use any of their own vehicles.  You may be picked up in a van, cutaway bus or Care-A-Van sixed bus, but they will all have the same look.

Many efforts have been taken to ensure a smooth transition between service providers.  Fares, policies and Subscription Service will all remain the same.  Metro County Connect service will be closely monitored to ensure that service continues uninterrupted.  The postage paid survey cards will still be in every vehicle, so you can let us know you opinion on Metro County Connect service.

Beginning November 1st, you can now schedule all of your rides by calling 350-2970.  All rides can be scheduled Sunday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding the contract change or Metro County Connect service, please do not hesitate to call 337-8477 or 350-2970.