Based on the size of Winchester, the demographics & the median income; it blows my mind that discontinuing affordable, regular scheduled transportation could even be considered! Discontinuing The Loop Route would be a devastating loss for people who rely on public transportation - no matter what the reason.
WinReady on Demand is a great service…and huge money saver over Uber…but only if you are flexible and remember to schedule in advance. I’ve heard WinReady is being used unnecessarily in some instances. Increasing the cost (slightly), charging for no-shows (if not already doing so), and implementing required minimum travel distances from point to point might help alleviate abuse.
Seems obvious in this case and with other transit/traffic issues in Winchester, that the people making decisions don’t have a clue what it means to not have transportation, or how dangerous it is to be a pedestrian at heavily trafficked intersections in this town.

I just witnessed 2 groups of people being told to get off the bus, because they had reached their stop. They asked where Sharp Shopper was and were given no directions. I believe we had just turned from Baker onto Ewell St. From this point, you cannot see Sharp Shopper or any signs related to a shopping center or store. I had been told to catch the bus here on the way home from Sharp Shopper a few times, but this is crazy for people shopping. This is one of the busiest stops you have, equal only to Walmart. If you are not going to use the stop directly behind the store or in front of it, you need to have a sign put up at the stop with directions for people unfamiliar with this side of town. Otherwise you are doing a disservice to riders and in my opinion may even be sued.

I don't thinkbyou should stop the loop bus because you have elderly people who don't always u derstand how to operate their phones and homeless people who don't always have phones who need to get to and fro. Plus the paratransit doesn't give specific times as to when they will pick you up and trying to get on the Laurel Ridge bus will get complicated or you will have people coming over an hour early

We just need more buses it’s just frustrating going on the app and finding no ride home coming from work, I hate the fact that I have to schedule my ride for a appointment 2 days ahead so I know I have a ride. Overall it’s just frustrating not finding a bus when you need one. We just need more buses!!

I am not sure but this could cause issues with transportation and such.

While Kenny provided me with a very clear understanding of the issues, there doesn't seem to be a great solution that benefits all. The loop provides a cheap, more set in stone, mode of transportation that is easy to understand by the senior community. Calls, apps, etc while they seem easy, can be major obstacle for some. WinTran is a great program and having more units and drivers taken from the loop would help. Perhaps reduce the number of daily loop trips, freeing up units and drivers for wintran may be an option, a step down approach and then evaluate after 6month.

I propose that WinReady be only for medical and work rides. Bring back the old route for Loop Route and charge $1.00.

The changes wouldn't effect me either way currently as I use WinReady for work and appointments.

I depend on the Loop Route to get to and from work each day as well as to make my way around Winchester for the majority of my every day needs.

The Loop Route is reliable, safe, functional and very much appreciated and depended upon. Win Ready is not a functional option for me as I do not have the same start or finish time each day or necessarily know when I will be clocking out of my shift.
Win Ready has long wait times even when booking a ride in advance. This means I never really know when to expect the bus and can expect to be waiting outside for 30 minutes or more. This is NOT reliable transportation, nor does it help prevent me from standing or walking outside in the elements for extended periods. Other passengers have mirrored my sentiments.

Please, please keep the Loop Route. It is much more valuable and appreciated than you may realize.

It’s obvious those proposing the change have never had to use the truly horrible mobile app. Additionally, it requires the addition of a debit/credit card. Will the City be responsible for data breaches?
To arrive at work at 0730, the WinReady gives a 30 minute window (0705 - 0735). The Loop system works and is relied upon by those without access to an automobile. Isn’t that why the busses are provided, as a service? Who does this change benefit, because it certainly doesn’t benefit those who actually rely on the Loop busses to get to work. What is being prioritized over a functional bus system?