Alltel Arena says it will no longer offer Central Arkansas Transit Authority bus shuttles to its events.

According to a press release issued by arena officials Thursday, "Due to new charter regulations issued by the Federal Transit Administration, the arena is now required to offer privately-owned shuttle services the opportunity to provide bus service for arena events."

The arena has had an agreement in place with CATA since 1999. Alltel Arena says Sunday's Carrie Underwood concert will be the first event without shuttle services.

"This is going to be a big inconvenience for hundreds to thousands of patrons, depending on the size of the event and especially the disabled," Alltel Arena General Manager Michael Marion said. "Our shuttle service with CATA allowed concertgoers to be dropped off at the arena entrance, a big help to the disabled in wheelchairs. While we do have the appropriate number of handicapped parking spaces required by law available near our entrances, they fill up fast at big events."

Arena officials say they've already begun soliciting proposals from private bus and shuttle operators, but so far only one firm--Arrow Coachlines--has submitted an eligible bid. However, according to Thursday's release, "The bid was rejected by the Alltel Arena Board because only a few of the Arrow buses are handicap-equipped, and the cost was nearly double that of Central Arkansas Transit Authority."   

Email To A Friend