It was time well spent by the Butler County commissioners when they got up early Thursday morning to ride on a Butler Transit Authority bus to Pittsburgh and talk with passengers about the service during the trip.

The Transit Authority initially scheduled two morning trips and two afternoon trips between Butler and Pittsburgh via Route 8 to Route 228 to I-79 into Pittsburgh.

Since then, longtime carrier Myers Coach Line ceased its Pittsburgh-to-Butler runs. The authority added a route that travels down Route 8 to Route 28 and makes a stop at the Duncan Avenue park and ride. A third daily trip from Butler to Route 68 through Evans City and onto Route 528 and then Interstate 79 south will be added in July pending state approval.

It would be wonderful to see public demand continue to expand the timetable. This will happen only when more people start riding — and so the commissioners are to be saluted for setting an example for others.

It’s imperative that we update our collective impression of public transportation — what’s available, what it costs, who uses it, and how many more commuters might be taking advantage of this publicly supported utility.

One of the most stunning and pleasant impressions, according to Butler Eagle staff writer Paula Grubbs who rode along with Commissioners Leslie Osche, Kim Geyer and Kevin Boozel, was the clean, smooth ride provided by the Transit Authority’s new, compressed natural gas-fueled vehicles. Grubbs reports a capable suspension system — and no “bus” smell, thanks to clean-burning CNG technology.

Grubbs spoke with passenger Linda Shaffer of Butler Township, who said, “This is a nice, cushy ride ... I would definitely say this is the top shelf of buses.”

Shaffer said she’s been a bus commuter to Pittsburgh since 1980. It eliminates the time and expense needed for a parking garage, and lets her relax, even doze, on board while someone else fights the traffic.

Could we boldly suggest that it’s also a great time of day to give a thorough read to your Butler Eagle. Read the paper or online version, thanks to Wi-Fi being installed soon on the new buses.

Great selling points when you weigh the options. Plus, there’s the mileage, wear and maintenance savings if you own a car.

The cash fare is $5 for a one-way trip, $4 if you buy the multi-trip pass.

Commissioner Osche makes a splendid point when she says the new route down 228 could provide workers from Butler a ride to the many jobs in Cranberry and Adams townships. Her words are a reminder that the Transit Authority has a mission to provide transportation around the county, not just from Butler to Pittsburgh — although the Pittsburgh-Butler connection is vital to the bigger picture.

We agree with Osche’s assessment: “We are going to have to come to a convergence on how to make viable and sustainable service and build ridership but at the same time meet the needs of those who have been using this service for many, many years.”

Building ridership is a crucial next step.