Routes & Schedules

BCT to make additional adjustments to fixed-route service as of August 7

Battle Creek Transit will make additional adjustments to its fixed-route (bus) service, in response to continued driver shortages, starting this coming Monday, Aug. 7.

Despite ongoing efforts to hire new CDL drivers, BCT is currently facing the most significant shortage of drivers that the agency has experienced in its history – drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License to operate our large buses. It is important to note that this isn’t a problem unique to BCT. Nationwide, 92 percent of transit agencies report having difficulty hiring drivers, with bus drivers being the most difficult to fill. Of those agencies, 71 percent have had to make similar service cuts or delay service increases because of this driver shortage.

In order to maintain service throughout our fixed-route service area, the following additional adjustments to BCT’s fixed-route service schedule, affecting route frequency and/or vehicle type, will be in place, as of Monday, Aug. 7:

• BCT fixed-route (bus) service will operate Monday-Friday, 5:15 a.m.-6:45 p.m., but there will be no service from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. to provide lunch breaks for bus drivers.

• All hourly bus routes (Columbia/Territorial, Fort Custer/VA, and SW Capital) will continue to operate every hour, except for the VA Express, which will only run at 5:45 a.m.

• All current half-hour bus routes will combine so that they alternate service schedules at 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour. Each route's stops are the same, but the timing is different. Please check the schedule for the route you use, and call BCT if you need help. Some routes may experience less frequency. Neighbors who ride the West Michigan, Kendall/Goodale, or Emmett/East Avenue routes may notice that service is provided by a smaller vehicle that doesn’t require the driver to have a CDL.

The complete listing of BCT’s new service schedule, by route, is as follows:
• 1W – West Michigan: 15 minutes after each hour

• 2E – Emmett/East Avenue: 5:15 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.

• 2W – Columbia/Territorial: 15 minutes after each hour

• 3E – Main/Post: 15 minutes after each hour

• 3W – Kendall/Goodale: 45 minutes after each hour, 6:15 p.m.

• 4N – NE Capital: 45 minutes after each hour, 6:15 p.m.

• 4S – SW Capital: 15 minutes after each hour

• 4S – Circulator (operational during Capital Avenue SW bridge closure): 15 and 45 minutes after each hour, leaving Lakeview Square Mall

• 5W – Fort Custer/VA Hospital: 15 minutes after each hour, VA Express only at 5:45 a.m.

BCT staff knows this is frustrating for our riders, and is prepared to help neighbors navigate these additional service adjustments. Neighbors who need help planning their trip can call BCT at 269-966-3474, and our Mobility Manager or dispatch team will be happy to help.

For neighbors who face significant challenges with this new service schedule, BCT encourages them to look into our door-to-door transit options, such as Tele-Transit or BCGo. Both services run Monday-Friday and rides can be booked up to 14 days in advance. More information regarding BCT services can be found on our website at, battlecreekmi.gov/transit.

BCT continues to focus on the recruitment and training of new drivers, and it is our intent to return to regular operations as soon as possible.

In the meantime, please remember that we are hiring drivers. BCT is looking for part-time or full-time drivers. CDL positions start at $20.61 per hour, with no experience necessary, and paid training. All positions offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings account with an employer match, and so much more! Those interested can apply online at, battlecreekmi.gov/jobs.

For continued updates regarding changes to BCT routes, neighbors can sign up for Transit text/email alerts at, battlecreekmi.gov/notifyme, in the Alert Center category. You can also follow the Battle Creek Transit Facebook page at, facebook.com/BattleCreekTransit.