Wave transit under new management starting July 1

Wave Transit will be managed by a new company called Professional Transit Management.

In five days, Wave will no longer be contracted with First Transit.

Bus drivers had to be re-hired under the new contractor.

Bus routes around town will still remain the same, and there are no immediate plans for expansion.

A Wave Transit committee decided to go with PTM because of the new ideas the company has for their employees.

Wave Transit assistant director Arlanda Rouse said, "They have some things they're going to put in place. We have some initiatives in place that we are going to try to improve. We have a customer service initiative and expanded training for all the drivers. So, we're excited about PTM coming in."

The new change will go into effect July 1.

Riders will see at least one visible change. Shelters and benches will be added to some bus stops. There will be 14 in all.

The first shelter will go up at Independence Mall near J.C. Penney.