Those wanting to head to Mobile, Tuscaloosa or anywhere in-between, will have yet another option beginning Feb. 27.
Officials with Trailways Transportation System announced Monday during the Selma City Council meeting, they had received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration that will help begin a route between Mobile and Tuscaloosa that will make a daily stop in Selma.
“This was a successful route in the past,” Trailways corporate vice president Mark Szyperski said. “From my experience in setting up bus stops along this route, I can tell there is still demand for this service.”
Selma Mayor George Evans and Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce director Sheryl Smedley joined Szyperski in the announcement.
Szyperski said the company’s stockholder — or subsidiary — Capital Trailways of Montgomery, will be the company servicing the route.
“At this point, we will not be reopening the station, but passengers can purchase tickets directly from the bus driver,” Szyperski said.
The grant — the value of which was not made available — was provided through the Federal Transit Administration and will be administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation.
According to a company release, the grant is designed to “bring intercity bus service back to the rural areas of the country.”
Capital Trailways applied for and was awarded a portion of the funds to be able to start the western Alabama route, the release said.
The service will not only connect Mobile and Tuscaloosa — with a stop in Selma — but will also connect such towns as Grove Hill, Thomasville, Pine Hill, Camden, Marion, Brent and others.
“With the timing, it will be possible for someone to go to Tuscaloosa for work, or attend the university or other schools in Tuscaloosa,” the company release said. “The bus will arrive in Tuscaloosa at 7:30 a.m. and won’t leave Tuscaloosa until 5:30 p.m. This will also allow someone who wishes to attend Alabama football games to stay out of traffic and parking, and take the bus up and back.”
More information on the service and can be found at www.capitaltrailways.com or by calling (800) 553-9000.