With a new 20-seat bus in service this August, Senior Resources of Freeborn County aims to expand its public transit, extending the operation hours and diversifying the ridership.

The new bus, Freeborn County Connection, will take over the current route served by the Lakeview Trolley Aug. 1.

The service, running Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., connects residential areas in Albert Lea to major destinations such as shopping malls, the hospital and public facilities.

According to Senior Resources of Freeborn County Director Doris Hagen, the service provided 15,000 rides last year.

The $54,500 new vehicle features enhanced safety measures, such as a step heater and defrosters for the rear window and mirrors, with more comforts for passengers.

The new bus will bring an opportunity for the organization to expand its public transportation service by freeing up the Lakeview Trolley for dial-a-ride service.

Hagen also plans to acquire two more buses to extend the service hours to commuting times in the morning and evening. These new buses would provide public transit access to the east portion of the city, and north and south industrial parks. The dial-a-ride service could be available countywide.

Hagen expects the diversification of users &045; 85 percent of whom are senior citizens currently.

The organization started sending letters to major employers in the city to assess their needs for public transportation for employees.

Hagen also proposed to the county a possibility of providing a shuttle service between a designated parking lot and the courthouse to mitigate the shortage in parking space near the county facilities.

To reach out to younger users, special summer youth tokens are on sale at 50 cents for a ride. The regular fare is $1.25 or a $1 token. The route is slightly changed during summer to add more stops close to parks.