COTA to launch Fixed-Route Feeder Service

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority is set to launch its Fixed-Route feeder service for route coverage in the Kagman area toward the Northern Mariana College, the southern villages of San Antonio and Koblerville to NMC, and northern areas of As Matuis, San Roque, Tanapag to the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan, beginning on Monday, Oct. 22.

Since the first public transit route was activated in April, more students and employees outside of the central area have been waiting for the second line to be implemented.

“With our initial route established and running, we can move forward with the recent $6.4 million awarded to COTA by the Federal Transit Administration for additional buses and bus shelters,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.

“This feeder service will assist with our transition to full service route services and we are all very excited. The procurement process is now the next crucial step and I ask our community to take advantage of the feeder service and thank the community for its patience moving forward,” Torres added.

Torres said the overall goal is to alleviate poverty by removing the transportation barrier in more villages and provide affordable access to employment, childcare, education, and healthcare.

According to Alfreda Camacho, the special assistant for public transportation, the Fixed-Route feeder service will provide services from the northern, eastern and southern areas of Saipan to feed into the current Fixed Route Flame Tree Line 1A, which began in April. 

The service will operate once a day, six days a week, excluding Sundays and all holiday and all vehicles are disability-accessible.

“The launch of the fixed route feeder service is COTA’s commitment to the community that we are working diligently to continue the full implementation of the CNMI’s first public transportation fixed route system. It is our every intent to ensure that the inclusion of the different areas on the island are accommodated to provide access to healthcare, leisure activities, education, and employment,” Camacho said.

All feeder services will depart from their respective first stop at 6am. All prospective riders are reminded to arrive at the designated stop points five minutes before the indicated departure times and have the exact payment for services rendered. 

Fare is $2 for general public (adults, youth ages 12+)

$1 for youth ages 11 and below, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities

Children ages 3 and below are free

Transfer onto the Fixed Route bus is free but ticket is only valid for 90 minutes

North to Paseo in Garapan
• As Matuis Bus Stop (corner of Tanko Dr. and Baina Dr.), 6am
• San Roque (near Welcome Supermarket), 6:06am
• Tanapag (near Mobil Tanapag), 6:11am to Paseo De Marianas

East to NMC
• Kagman (near New Kagman Market), 6am
• Kagman Community Center, 6:04am
• Kagman Health Center, 6:10am to NMC

South to NMC
• San Antonio (Community Guidance Center (Systems of Care), 6am
• Koblerville (near P&A Laundry), 6:06am
• Koblerville (near Gana Daycare Center), 6:09am to NMC

Questions, concerns, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding the Fixed-Route Feeder Service may be forwarded to COTA at (670) 664-2682 or visit the office located at the Marianas Business Plaza, second floor, Suite 216, Susupe, Saipan. (PR)