BIRD improvement passes WR council Published March 11, 2014 By Brian Shreve Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A new component of mass transit to and from Robins Air Force Base is now set to become a reality, following a vote by the Warner Robins City Council during its meeting March 3. The project, which had been proposed by the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority, adds a park-and-ride feature to Buses into Robins Daily, or BIRD, the MTA's partnership with Robins. The current BIRD system consists of three city buses that transport Macon residents to and from the base. Two of these will remain as such, with one being utilized as a feeder bus designated to transport passengers from Ferguson Park on Elberta Road to and from Robins. The effort will potentially add bus stops around the base, service more areas and cut travel time on the BIRD route. The park and ride system also aims to benefit Warner Robins residents, who will now be able to park in the city and ride an MTA bus to work in Macon. "Giving people job access and contributing to a better quality of air at the same time is just good for everyone," said Jade Daniels, MTA operations manager. As of now, plans are still awaiting a draft contract to be approved by the Warner Robins city attorney before the new route can begin. Though it is still uncertain when that will happen, Daniels said she had set a target start date for the park and ride of July 1. She added that MTA will evaluate the route and prepare for a public hearing on the system, which would suggest workshops and trip planning sessions to help riders learn the bus schedule and to be generally prepared. "So there's work to be done," said Daniels. "But it's a great feeling to strengthen the partnership we have with the City of Warner Robins, and to have them on board in support."