January 31st, 2023 – 4:20 PM

Ethan Garrett – WRGA Digital News Editor & Video Reporter –

The public was invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Rome Transit Department on Tuesday afternoon to dedicate five new buses during a ceremony at the Midtown Transit Station.

The five new Gillig buses include many new features like low floors to accommodate easy loading and unloading, a wheelchair lift, and more.

According to Rome Transit Director Kathy Shealey, ridership has increased by around 40% in the last year and a half (averaging 700 riders a day). The Rome Transit Department has offered free ridership since October 2021 and that service has continued into 2023.