WinReady: City of Winchester's Public Transit Upgrade

Our conversation today with Kit Redmer, Communications Director for the City of Winchester included Kenny Johnson, the city's Transportation Operations Manager to give details about WinReady, a microtransit system being rolled out this coming spring. WinReady is a new initiative that is expected to have a significant positive impact on public transit users, particularly students and families, across Winchester. The service will allow people to travel on-demand from point to point using an app or via phone reservations. The new system would be an overhaul of the current one and Kenny explained that it's especially suitable for the size of Winchester, with many trips expected to take only 10 or 15 minutes. The new system uses the same fleet of buses, covers the entire city of Winchester, and will run from 6am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. All public transit in Winchester is free to ride until July 1, 2024. Kenny told us about the changes coming to the existing bus routes when this new initiative rolls out - likely in March 2024 - and the decrease in wait times at bus stops due to the new "loop system." Kit emphasized the radical change this service represents and encouraged community members to provide feedback through a focus group on the city's website. Learn more about WinReady, find upcoming public information sessions, and sign up for the city's newsletter on their website: https://www.winchesterva.gov/