The number of riders on Beeline Bus routes has fallen off since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Rim Country about a year ago.
But that didnât stop the Payson Senior Center from adding a new bus to its fleet for expected future growth. An ADOT grant made the addition possible.
Mike Marryat, director of operations for the senior center and for Beeline Bus service, said they expanded the fleet on Jan. 4 with the addition of a new 14-seat bus.
That brings the number of buses in the fleet to three, although only two run at the same time.
âThey take quite a beating and it seems like theyâre in the shop quite a bit,â Marryat said. âSo, fortunately, we have a backup.â