The Butler Transit Authority's new bus terminal on New Castle Street officially opened Tuesday. The terminal went into operation Oct. 1.

The Butler Transit Authority's new bus terminal on New Castle Street officially opened Tuesday.

The terminal went into operation Oct. 1.

Officials said the new site is a safer location than the old terminal on Cunningham Street, and with the new mobile bus pass purchasing system will make the authority's commuter service to Pittsburgh more convenient.

The terminal is across Washington Street from the Butler Public Safety Building, where the police and fire departments are located, and provides room for more buses to park than the old terminal did, said John Paul, authority executive director.

“It's better for safety. It's nice. It's clean. It has better access for people with mobility devices,” Paul said.

He said new butlertransit.com logo being placed on all buses will help people identify the buses and find information about bus passes.

Paul and Commissioner Kevin Boozel touted services that they said make the Pittsburgh commuter service convenient for people who live in Butler County and work in the city.

Mobile ticket buying through the Token Transit app and on-board Wi-Fi service and outlets for electronic devices are among the conveniences.

“We have all the conveniences to work on the way to work or on the way home or to read a newspaper,” Paul said.

Taking the bus also saves wear and tear on personal vehicles and eliminates the stress of driving to Pittsburgh, he said.

The commuter service will continue after the two and a half years remaining on the trial basis ends and can be expanded if federally determined ridership goals are met, Paul said.

“It's important for people to use it. We must meet ridership levels in two and half years so we can expand. If not, it could go away,” he said.

Boozel echoed the need for county residents to use the commuter service.

“I hope we get more ridership to Pittsburgh,” he said.

The commuter service, which offers two morning runs and two afternoon runs to Pittsburgh, can help reduce historically low unemployment rates even further, he said.

“I think the bus service is going to provide that,” Boozel said.

The on-board Wi-Fi service allows people to make productive use of their time commuting to Pittsburgh, he said.

“I think they'll meet their ridership goals,” Boozel said.

He said he hopes the authority's new marketing campaign attracts more riders to all bus routes.

The terminal will be an asset to people who rely on bus service, he said.

“I think this will serve the city and the county for a long time to come,” Boozel said.