Shreveport City Council heard CEO Dinero’ Washington of SporTran announce a significant expansion of public transit in the city’s western neighborhoods. Beginning Labor Day, September 7, the agency will debut the Westport route, a new fixed‑route service that runs along Pines Road and provides bi‑directional service on 70th Street.
Expanded service meets rider demand
The addition comes in response to growing demand from residents who have asked for more reliable transportation options. Washington said the route design was crafted in close collaboration with Councilwoman Ursula Bowman to ensure it addresses community requests and connects riders to essential municipal services.
Two extra buses will be deployed to support the new route, shortening wait times between scheduled stops and improving overall frequency. The expanded service also restores fixed‑route service along Pines Road, a corridor that previously relied on demand‑responsive options.
Gateway Hub opens on Hollywood Avenue
Alongside the new routes, SporTran is unveiling the Gateway Hub, a modern transit facility located on Hollywood Avenue. Developed in partnership with the Shreveport Regional Airport, the hub will serve as a central point for riders transferring between bus lines and will house administrative offices and passenger amenities.
A ribbon‑cutting ceremony is scheduled for September 4 at 10 a.m. in District F, where city officials and SporTran representatives will celebrate the project’s completion.
Connecting residents to city services
The Westport route and Gateway Hub will directly serve the newly opened city complex that houses the Shreveport Public Works facility and the Shreveport Department of Water and Sewerage. By linking these municipal locations with reliable transit, the expansion supports families and workers who rely on public transportation for daily commutes.
Washington emphasized that the expansion reflects SporTran’s commitment to providing safe, dependable, and affordable transportation for all Shreveport residents, reinforcing the city’s broader goals of economic growth and community vitality.
What residents can expect
Riders can anticipate more frequent buses, reduced travel times, and easier access to key city services. The new Westport route will operate on a regular schedule, with stops strategically placed to serve neighborhoods along Pines Road and 70th Street.
City officials encourage residents to explore the new service and provide feedback to help further refine Shreveport’s transit network.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
