SPRINGDALE -- Changes to some Ozark Regional Transit bus schedules will start Monday, according to a news release.
One route will cease operating and another will have its hours reduced.
Route 63, which runs on Robinson Avenue, Don Tyson Parkway, Powell Street and Johnson Road, will run three hours less than before. The route will operate between 8:22 a.m. and 4:22 p.m.
Route 64 will cease operations. That route connected Emma Avenue, Huntsville Avenue, Elm Springs Road and Robinson Avenue.
Route 61 will not be affected. That route runs along Thompson Street, Sunset Avenue and 48th Street.
Route 62 will be expanded with an additional bus. Route 62 operates on Huntsville, Sunset, and Maple avenues and Mountain Road.
Budget shortfalls prompted the route changes, according to transit officials.
The bus system in December said it faced a $338,000 shortfall for this year. Transit officials asked Northwest Arkansas Community College, cities and counties for additional money.
Fayetteville increased its funding by $122,000 so its residents will see no reduction in services, but most others opted against giving more money. That meant changes to routes, transit spokesman Jeff Hatley said.
Springdale agreed to pay $280,000 this year, up from $265,000 per year, but only to extend the normal bus service through mid-February, transit officials said. Springdale officials decided to change their routes based on ridership figures.
NW News on 03/18/2018