Part of the "RENEW TROUP " initiative
The Needle is a proposed zero-emission public transportation system for LaGrange and Troup County. The plan recommends a small fixed-route transit system using fully electric buses or shuttles to connect the downtown core, LaGrange College, Lafayette Square, Sweetland Amphitheater, Wild Leap Brewery, and eventually additional routes across the community. The system is intended to be free to ride, supported by electric buses that can travel more than 45 miles on a charge and recharge in minutes.
Tracks the number of new businesses beginning along The Needle route.
Tracks number of buses required for the proposed routing.
Tracks cost benchmark for a similar maintenance facility.
Tracks whether the shuttle advances downtown activity, evening use, and nightlife.
Tracks whether a small fixed-route transit system is planned and implemented.
Tracks reduction in emissions, pollution, and traffic congestion.
Tracks increased pedestrian activity at stops and hubs.
Tracks proposed shuttle frequency in the downtown core.
Tracks total five-year budget if implemented as proposed.
Tracks combined cost of buses and charging infrastructure.
Tracks estimated cost per bus.
Tracks estimated cost for charging infrastructure.
Tracks capability of electric buses.
Tracks connections to major destinations such as downtown, LaGrange College, Lafayette Square, Sweetland Amphitheater, Wild Leap Brewery, and Great Wolf Lodge.
Tracks annual operating and maintenance cost for the bus fleet.
Tracks potential monthly ridership.
Tracks whether the transit service operates at no cost to riders.
Tracks expected value increase for real estate close to regular stops.
Capital/startup and operations/maintenance costs are identified. The proposed routing requires 6 buses at $789,000 each, plus $550,000 for charging infrastructure, totaling $5,234,000. A maintenance facility would also be needed; a similar facility in Seneca, SC cost $1,800,000. Operations and maintenance costs are estimated at $50,000 per bus per year, or $300,000 annually. The five-year proposed budget is $6,734,000. The plan notes that implementation can be scaled to meet funding constraints.