Benzie Bus to bring back the Flex route in July

BENZIE COUNTY — On July 29 Benzie Bus riders will be able to take advantage of more frequent service between Frankfort, Benzonia, Beulah and Honor with the return of the Flex route.

According to operations supervisor Sandi Grumley, ridership in Frankfort, Benzonia and Beulah continues to grow.

She said bringing back the deviated fixed route will not only help with efficiency but also provide riders with consistent pick-up times and more availability.

“Longtime Benzie Bus passengers have also requested the return of the route, which was suspended in 2020 when ridership decreased due to the pandemic,” Grumley said. “The Flex route was one of our busiest routes pre-pandemic. People used it to get to doctor’s appointments, go grocery shopping and get to work. The set schedule means it’s easier for people to plan their day.”

The Flex route runs every hour between the Benzie Bus Station and Frankfort Family Fare bus shelter from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Route stops will include Honor Plaza, Benzonia Family Fare, Frankfort Family Fare, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, the Benzie Community Resource Center and Benzonia Crystal Lake Clinic. The route will deviate up to half a mile outside the scheduled stops.

Riders are encouraged to make reservations at least one hour in advance.

Operations manager Chad Hollenbeck said the organization is excited to bring the service back for riders who need additional flexibility.

“We looked at ridership data and were able to determine some blocks of time where our resources weren’t being utilized as efficiently as we’d like,” Hollenbeck said. “So, we moved those resources and are using them to bring back the Flex route.”

For more information or to schedule a ride, visit www.benziebus.com , call or text Benzie Bus at 231-325-3000 ext. 1, or email dispatch@benziebus.com .