More routes, conveniences set for BiRD riders Published July 11, 2014 By Brian Shreve Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Revisions to Robins' mass transit system are ready to roll, offering greater incentives for those who rely on Buses into Robins Daily. Routes for the BiRD's new park-and-ride feature were outlined during a public meeting hosted by the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority July 2, and the addition - roughly a year in the works - is set to launch July 21. As a result of the park-and-ride system, overall routes have also been expanded on Robins to include high-occupancy areas on base, said John Pugh, 78th Mission Support Group deputy director. Also beneficial to Transportation Incentive Program participants, the new route will include stops between the Exchange and commissary and beside the pharmacy - all accessible from Macon by bus for those with access. The current BiRD system consists of three city buses running between Robins and Macon. Two of them will remain as such, with one used as a feeder bus transporting employees to and from a designated area off base at Ferguson Park on Elberta Road. The park and ride - which had been proposed by the MTA as a means to cut travel time, reduce parking congestion and increase service areas - gained approval from the Warner Robins City Council in March, but routes had to be reviewed by the Robins Traffic Safety Group before implementation. Trip planning sessions aimed to educate riders on how the system will work are being considered, according to Jade Daniels, MTA operations manager. "Giving people job access and contributing to better air quality is just good for everyone," said Daniels. "And if the city of Warner Robins begins providing public transit, we could connect with that too. The possibilities are endless."