New Castle City Transit invites all of Henry County to meet them at Maplewood Terrace at 6 p.m. Monday for a ride around town to see the city’s Christmas lights.
General Manager Doug Sloan said he’d been toying with the idea of organizing transportation for citizens who might have trouble getting out and about to see the Christmas Light Tour since July. He said he knew the city used to provide such an event a long time ago and had fond memories of it.
A call Tuesday from Henry Township Trustee Nancy Webb (formerly Nancy Wadman) gave him all the nudge he needed to turn his idea into action.
“Nancy called and said she had a a few people who would really like to see the Christmas lights,” Sloan said, noting that all buses are handicapped accessible. “Call by noon Monday and we can pick you up.”
The number to call for pickup is 765-529-8113.
All six city buses will be available beginning at 6 p.m. at Maplewood Terrace, 274 S. 14th St., New Castle. The last tour will depart Maplewood Terrace at 8 p.m. and return by 9 p.m. Maplewood Terrace will be the only pickup and drop-off point, other than for those who can’t get to Maplewood Terrace and call to reserve special pickups by noon Monday.
The cost for the ride around town to see the Christmas lights is $2 per adult and $1 per child. Each bus holds 18 passengers, so space is limited.
Sloan said that general ridership on New Castle’s transit system has gone through the roof in the last couple of years, a steady increase marked by a large spike in 2014.
“People are becoming more aware that the advantage of having public transit is available,” Sloan said. “The cost to ride for non-special events is $1 for adults and 50 cents for handicapped, seniors and students. It’s cheap. Pickups are door-to-door. We pick them up at their door and take them anywhere they want to go.”
Those city residents who have a festive light display should call The Courier-Times at 765-575-4653.
