Permanent signs to be placed along BiRD stops Published May 18, 2012 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- New signs will soon be placed to mark the permanent location of stops along the Buses into Robins, or BiRD, route. For the past 18 months, temporary markers have been in place where three buses pick up and drop off passengers each weekday morning and afternoon. While details are still being finalized, sign installations are a welcome element for a program that has seen much growth since it began in November 2010. "The program has been successful," said John Pugh, 78th Mission Support Group deputy director. "It is slow, positive growth - but it is positive. The workforce is not only supporting the program with the Clean Air Campaign, but also mass transit at Robins, which includes BiRD, carpool and vanpool programs." Pugh, along with Bill Deaver, 778th Civil Engineer Squadron senior general engineer, rode along the BiRD route May 11, marking where permanent signs will be positioned at nine stops. Ridership numbers have seen steady growth since first tracked in December 2010, when BiRD began with about 214 riders. During April, there were 1,219 riders who used the service. BiRD partners with the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority to take Bibb County residents to and from work. Since more than 60 percent of Robins' military and civilian employees live in Houston County, a feasibility study is in the works to determine additional mass transit options into the base.