Proposed Changes
We analyzed existing routes and proposed two scenarios and a long-term vision for the CCRTA Long-Range System Plan, each with its own focus. The proposed changes are:
Click on a Scenario to learn more about the proposed changes to CCRTA routes
Two proposed scenarios:
Scenario 1: Improved Connections
The Improved Connections Scenario aims primarily to improve the ease of transferring and reduce wait times for transfers between routes. Transfers are common on CCRTA’s system, with over 40% of rides involving one transfer and nearly one-third of all riders involving two or more transfers. While timed transfers are mostly available at Staples Station, transfers can be inconvenient at Port Ayers Station, Southside Station, and in Flour Bluff as transfers at these locations are generally not timed. When service operates hourly, riders are often subject to long wait times between rides. Difficult transfers and long wait times do not only pose challenges for existing riders; they may also discourage potential riders from using the system.
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What Will This Scenario Improve?
Implementing the proposed changes within Scenario 1 would improve connections at all four major transfer points: Staples Station, Port Ayers Station, Southside Station, and Flour Bluff. Where possible, anchor destinations or transfer points were added at route termini to provide additional transfer opportunities and improve ridership. Another key proposal is to increase frequencies along routes that currently have 45- or 40-minute headways: consistently running routes with “clock-faced” headways, or those that run every hour or half hour, improve the ease of transfers, and reduce overall wait times.
Key Benefits of Scenario 1
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Improve connections and reduce waiting at all four major transfer points
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Staples Station
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Port Ayers Station
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Southside Station
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Flour Bluff
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Many routes now have destinations or transfer opportunities at both route ends, which should improve ridership
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More frequent service on key routes will improve connections and convenience
Scenario 2: High Frequency Corridor Alternative
The Frequency Corridors Scenario’s goal is to create three high-frequency corridors serving the highest ridership locations in Corpus Christi, effectively meeting people where they are. The three high-frequency corridors would connect the CCRTA’s largest transit centers (Staples, Southside, and Port Ayers Stations) operating on a 15-minute all-day frequency on Routes 19 along Ayers St, Route 29 on Staples St, McArdle Rd, and Ennis Joslin Rd, and with Routes 28 and 29 operating offset schedules to achieve 15-minute frequency along Leopard St.
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What Will This Scenario Improve?
Implementing high-frequency corridors will improve the riders’ experience by making bus schedules less important when using the bus as better frequency means more buses departing bus stops more often. Operating bus services at higher frequencies reduces the waiting time of riders. Under this scenario customers using Staples, Southside, and Port Ayers Stations, either as a first stop or as a transfer, would be able to travel longer distances and connect amongst transit centers with a reduced overall trip time thanks to the reduction in waiting times.
Key Benefits of Scenario 2
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Frequency = more convenient service
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Helps rebuild and consolidate ridership faster
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Does not require as much schedule coordination for transfers
The long-term vision:
Long-Range Expansion Plan
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, much like many of the transit agencies around the United States, CCRTA was forced to decrease levels of service to address ridership loss and labor shortages. However, Transit service on the Corpus Christi region has room for expansion. A phased, prioritized service expansion is necessary to bring CCRTA back to where it was pre-pandemic and serve new markets.
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