HARRISONBURG, Va. (Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation) – The Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation (HDPT) is working to help community members get around later in the evenings, as extended service hours are now underway for City transit routes and paratransit riders.

Riders can utilize both services now through August 10 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Traditionally, service would cease at 6:15 p.m. during the week and 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays. These new hours will function as a pilot program for the department to see if extended evening service is desirable for Harrisonburg riders. HDPT hopes the extended hours are a benefit, especially for those looking for a way to get home from work in the evenings.

City Communications Director Mike Parks says that feedback has been positive and ridership has been high through the first week of the pilot program. “Customer service is one of our most valued priorities, and finding more ways to meet the needs of our community while getting them where they need to be safely and on time is paramount,” HDPT Director Gerald Gatobu said. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide these extended hours so our riders have a reliable method of transportation morning, noon and night.”

Transit routes and maps are available online at https://harrisonburgva.gov/bus-service, and more information on requesting paratransit service – a specialized transportation service for persons with disabilities – is available at https://harrisonburgva.gov/paratransit-service. More information on HDPT services can be found at https://www.facebook.com/rideHDPT.