The need was there and so was a pot of money that could start providing a remedy.

Basically, that is how Red Rabbit - the fixed-route arm of Hall Area Transit — was born 10 years ago this month.

The original federal grant "was tied to helping people get to work and helping people in areas where there might be a large number of individuals who didn't have their own transportation," said Cheryl Christian, who served then as director of the Gainesville-Hall County Community Service Center.

"It took a lot of research to figure out where were the areas (to serve), how do we start the first routes," said Christian, now executive director of Good News Clinics in Gainesville. "There were so many people in the community that were thrilled (about having) a way to work that's dependable and not just asking a neighbor, friend or family member to take (them) to work every day."

The Red Rabbit has grown dramatically since those early days, both in size and numbers.

Ridership was at 142,530 in 2010, compared to 40,647 in 2002. Also, Red Rabbit added a route to Gainesville State and Lanier Technical colleges in the Oakwood area last year.

Projected operating costs in fiscal 2011, which ends June 30, is $743,832.

The estimated operating budget in 2002 is $344,000.

From 2001 to 2005, figures for Red Rabbit and Dial-A-Ride - a curbside service picking up area residents who have called ahead for rides — were often reported together.

"I am delighted to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Red Rabbit, and I am grateful to our loyal riders and supporters of the transit system," said Phillippa Lewis Moss, Community Service Center director.

"I know the importance that public transit plays in the life of many members in our community. I understand how important transportation is to connecting people in our community with each other, to employment, job training, education, government offices, shopping and other important activities."

Greta Newton, catching a bus on Main Street in Gainesville, had nothing but praise for the Red Rabbit.

"It's a great ride, and the drivers are all friendly — they know you by name," she said.
Newton added, "It's hard to believe they have so many stops."

She also said she feels "very safe" riding on the buses.

The Red Rabbit has 11 15-passenger, red-and-white vehicles bearing the logo of a hopping, long-eared rabbit. The transit service also features 200-plus bus stops, Moss said.

Still considered a young transit system, "there is much work to be done to improve services and to make residents of this community feel proud to contribute to (it)," she said.

To keep the Red Rabbit successful over the next few years, "the transit system needs to do a better job providing outreach to riders and nonriders," Moss said.

"To our existing riders, we need to say thank you more often and encourage them to share their desires for future improvements. To nonriders ... we need to keep them informed of how the transit system is growing and developing, and let them know that we are being good stewards of their money and that their investment will pay off."

The transit system also needs "consistent and ongoing support" of area government officials.

"Transit is an important component in protecting our environment and relieving traffic congestion in our community and the region," Moss said. "Public officials must be bold in their expression of commitment to public transit and make sure that the system does not become stagnant for lack of consistent support."

She also is hoping the public will support a planned 1-cent sales tax for transportation.

The General Assembly passed the Transportation Investment Act last year to give voters in established districts throughout the state the opportunity to OK a tax that would pay for everything from new roads to transit improvements.

If voters within the district approve the tax on Aug. 21, 2012, the state would begin distributing proceeds in 2013, with 75 percent of the money dedicated to regional projects decided on by a regional "roundtable" and 25 percent going to local governments using their discretion on projects.

"Public support ... will provide a substantial boost to developing appropriate transportation infrastructure for our community, including roads, bridges and transit," Moss said.

Christian said that although she is long removed from Red Rabbit management, she has seen its benefits over the years.

"It's interesting how different parts of your life come together," she said. "Now, at Good News Clinics, many of our patients depend on that bus system to get to the clinic to get their care."

Good News offers support and free medical care to the indigent, homeless and low-income people, according to its website.

"We have a bus stop right here at the clinic and that was a key when we purchased this building (at 810 Pine St.)," Christian said. "... We even have some of our volunteers use the bus to get to us."