Ripley board hears plan for Delta $2 micro‑route linking TCAT, hospital and schools

The Ripley Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed a proposed Delta‑operated micro‑route pilot intended to improve local transit connections.

The mayor described the plan as a roughly 10‑mile loop that would run continuously from early morning until about 4:30 p.m., stopping at the TCAT, the hospital, downtown, grocery stores, the UTM Ripley Center and local schools. "It's basically on the north end, it's at our TCAT ... and on the south end, it's down near to where our schools are," the mayor said. He added that the fare would be $2 and that riders would not need to register: "You don't have to give your name to ride the bus. You just pay your $2 and it'll take you to that particular location."

City officials framed the proposal as a pilot involving neighboring counties and as part of Ripley’s broader strategic emphasis on transportation. The mayor said Delta will try the route and, if successful, the service could be expanded in Tipton and Fayette counties. The board did not take a formal vote on the pilot during the meeting; the mayor said staff will bring detailed materials back to the board for formal consideration.

Why it matters: leaders said the route targets high‑demand stops — including a dialysis center noted for morning ridership — and could provide a low‑cost option for residents without personal transportation. The pilot structure would limit the city’s financial exposure initially because Delta has offered to try the service and provide some stop infrastructure at no immediate city cost.

Next steps: staff will present more detailed route maps, schedules and any requests for city participation at a future meeting.