The month of May finds the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority hosting its annual Open House. This event is open to the public. It will be held on Wednesday May 14, 2014 from 3-7 p.m.

It is an opportunity for the community to visit the office located at 446 Novak Drive, Martinsburg. Employees will be giving tours of the facility and answering questions about the transit authority. EPTA is in the process of purchasing bike racks for the transit system that were awarded through a grant. The Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority is preparing to launch some new ridership programs that will be discussed. EPTA is also in the beginning stages of the TDP implementation. The “Transportation Development Plan” in conjunction with the Hagerstown Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization will review and determine transportation objectives for our regional transit system.

AARP reports that in another eight years one in five people will be 65 and older. As more and more seniors depend on public transit in our community EPTA is planning on starting a non-profit arm, “Friends of EPTA” to help support the educational side of teaching how to use public transit and its benefits. EPTA encourages anyone interested in being part of this group to come to the Open House.

If transportation is required for the Open House, EPTA will offer shuttle services starting from 3-6 p.m. from the Martinsburg Train Station every hour to the EPTA offices. Riders who reside in Jefferson County can catch the shuttle at 3:30 p.m. at the Court House in Charles Town and ride to the EPTA Open House. Questions regarding Open House or transportation needs can be directed to 304-263-0876 ext. 8457.