Augusta, GA

Augusta Transit could expand bus routes with new electric buses

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

Augusta Transit could expand bus routes with new electric buses

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – New electric buses are coming to Augusta.

The transit received $12 million for six new clean-energy battery electric buses, charging equipment and even a bus simulator to train the drivers.

The old diesel bus fleet may be heading back to the garage. The Augusta Transit is making a change and going green.

Mary Farrer has been riding Augusta Transit for years. She plans her day around the bus.

“I have to get up early and try to get there in time and call the bus line and find out what’s going on with the buses and everything at least an hour ahead of time,” she said.

It takes that kind of planning, and she’s not the only one.

Deputy Director of Augusta Transit Dr. Oliver Page said: “Everyone is asking why we don’t have more buses on the road, one bus every 30 minutes. But to have that, we have to have more physical buses.”

And that’s about to happen.

Page says they’re going green too.

“We are responsive to our riders’ needs. The $12 million grant will be going to purchase six buses, a bus simulator, as well as having some additional charging points outside and workforce development,” said Page.

Augusta Transit has been adding buses — six diesel buses were delivered last year. The five electric buses will arrive next year, but it’s not happening often enough.

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“We haven’t been replacing buses, like once every two years. The last batch of buses we received was in 2023. Before that, it was 2016. So, with these gaps in bus replenishment, that’s why we have buses on the road past their useful life,” said Page.

Compared to other cities, Augusta has some ground to cover.

“When we look at places like Macon and Athens, they’re smaller cities than we are, they have bus fleet of 20, 25, 30 buses, we only have 18. So, we have to catch up,” said Page.

It means riders like Farrer won’t have quite as much planning to do.

2025 is when the first set of electric buses will arrive, and by 2027, six more will be here.

Page says once the old buses are replaced with new ones, you could see new routes coming to South Augusta and the Augusta Regional Airport.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

6 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

18 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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