Marshalltown Public Works Director Justin Nickel presented the award to Pigors at Monday night’s council meeting.

“We were recognized for an 11 percent increase in ridership in the last year,” Nickel said. “I want to personally recognize Kevin for that work. He has done a fantastic job of promoting the local transit system. Kevin has been proactive, re-kindling relationships with the Iowa Veterans Home, local social service agencies and the Marshalltown Community School District.”

Nickel said Pigors is constantly working to make the MMTS system better, including revising routes and all in less than one year on the job.

“I am so proud of our team for receiving this award,” Pigors said. “They truly make a difference in so many people’s lives.”

T-R FILE PHOTO Marshalltown Transit director Kevin Pigors, left, and Public Works director Justin Nickel at the lectern during Monday night’s council meeting discussing a significant award received by the transit department.

Pigors acknowledged the contributions of late transit director Richard Stone, who died one year ago at age 55.

Stone worked for the city 17 years.

“Moving forward, we will continue to strive towards Richard’s goal of being the best transit system in Iowa,” Pigors said.

Pigors was placed into the interim role on Nov. 8 last year and was made director Jan. 6.

He is responsible for a budget of $787,000 effective July 1, and a fleet of buses which serves hundreds of Marshalltown residents and students.

MMTS offers the following:

• Hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Regular fixed-route service begins at 7:20 a.m., and ends at 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. MMT has five basic routes that cover most of the city: Blue, Green, Red, Orange and Purple.

• The bus stops at any corner along the route.

• Relay Iowa – call 711 or 1-800-735-2942 for assistance. The service provides fixed-route and demand or response public transportation. It provides assistance for persons with hearing impairments in making telephone calls.

• Accessibility for disabled and elderly persons is available. All buses are equipped with a ramp or lift for wheelchairs and mobility devices.

• Paratransit Service provides origin-to-destination service for those individuals unable to access the regular fixed route. Please contact the MMT office or Region 6 Planning Commission for further details. Paratransit Service operates from 7:20 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday to Friday.

• Premium Paratransit Service provides same day service and service to those living beyond three-quarters of a mile from the fixed route. Premium service is priced somewhat higher than regular Paratransit Service. Applications for Americans Disability Act services, Paratransit services or Personal Care Attendant are available on the MMT Resources page.

• Transfers – If a trip requires a transfer from one route to another, inform the driver. Transfers are made at the Fisher Community Center.

“The award is definitely deserved,” Nickel said.

For more information about MMTS, contact 641-754-5719.

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Contact Mike Donahey at 641-753-6611 or mdonahey@timesrepublican.com