BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System is canceling the Lillian to Pensacola bus route Sept. 30 due to low ridership, but the system continues to expand other routes throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties.

BRATS will consider renewing the Lillian-Pensacola route in the future if there is a demand, according to Chandra Middleton, assistant director of transportation.

“We are asking the state to let us use the bus for demand-response trips out of Lillian,” Middleton said.

BRATS manages about 100 routes and is continuing to show increases in ridership.

In 2006, 609,000 people boarded a BRATS bus and 595,000 were recorded in 2007. Current figures show 500,000 riders for 2008.

BRATS initiated across-the-bay services in November by establishing Baylinc. That services connects the Eastern Shore to downtown Mobile.

Middleton said most Baylinc riders are professionals who don’t want to worry about driving to or parking in Mobile.

She also points to recent fuel hikes as a reason for increased ridership.

“The increase in fuel costs hit everyone, especially people on a fixed income,” she said.

In 1987, the Baldwin County Commission identified a growing need for public transportation in the 1,600-square-mile county with no major urban population.

BRATS began with the purchase of three used vans and hiring two drivers.

The fleet now transports riders to daily appointments, shopping or grocery buying excursions, or just to visit friends and neighbors.

Routes also include Dial-A-Ride, work routes, Historic Rides, routes to kidney dialysis, physical therapy and cancer treatments.

Routes also were established for the Association of Retarded Citizens and Baldwin County Mental Health Center.

Routes are continually changing to accommodate demand, Middleton said.