Free base shuttle service to continue

  • Published
  • By James Weslowski
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AFB, Okla. --  Local business owners have worked out a series of pick-up and drop-off locations for anyone wanting to ride the "Altus Express" free shuttle Friday and Saturday nights from Altus Air Force Base to several local dinning establishments, taverns and hotels. 

The Southwest Transit shuttle will begin the hourly loop at Altus Air Force Base at 6 p.m. and make nine community stops. The last run will end at 2:10 a.m. at the base. 

According to backers of the free shuttle service, anyone can get on or off at the Best Western, Western Sizzlin, Microtel Inn, Fred's, Friendship Inn, Val's, Grape Vine, Scooters and Trader Toms Tavern. 

The shuttle will be "family friendly" and the route is designed to be convenient to all. Pick-up and drop-off times will be repeated hourly, starting at the base pick-up locations.
Stops on base will include Dorms 335 and 316, Lodging, Charlie's' parking lot, Child Development Center and the Shoppette back parking lot. 

Passengers without a military ID will not be allowed to exit the shuttle while on base.
Local businessmen will pay the Southwest Transit service fee and make the shuttle available free to anyone needing transportation during this special run. 

Several business owners say there is a need for this type of service, and have been adjusting the times and locations for several months. 

Their hopes are that people will take advantage of an alternative way to get around on Friday and Saturday nights, visit the establishments, and leave the driving to the experts.
Organizers know there are several hundred military students each month attending courses on the base and many don't have vehicles.
 
Additionally, many of the students must reside in hotels such as the Best Western, Microtel and Friendship Inn, because there are not enough billets on the base. 

The shuttle will be another means of getting around town other than taxis or relying on a friend for transportation.