Publix sponsors shuttle service in Georgia to ferry shoppers to its store

When a grocery store closes, another avenue to get groceries opens. At least that is the case in Decatur, Georgia.

With the closing of the Kroger grocery store at 720 Commerce Drive, Publix Super Markets and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority began sponsoring a 90-day pilot program of a shuttle service to transport residents from downtown Decatur to the Publix Super Markets at Sam’s Crossing Village at 2720 E Ponce de Leon Avenue.

The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) launched the new shuttle service last month.

“One of the most desirable attributes about Decatur is its almost universal walkability, and with the recent closing of Kroger on Commerce Drive, there was no longer a supermarket within reasonable walking distance for our residents, especially seniors who may be less likely to have access to their own vehicles,” said Shirley Baylis, business development manager for the City of Decatur, in a statement.

Not only does it provide critical transportation to those who need to shop for groceries, Baylis added, but by using electric vehicles, it reinforces “our community’s commitment to protecting the environment.”

As part of the experimental, three-month service, the shuttles run continuously from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with multiple pick-up and drop-off points around the downtown area.

Let’s Ride Atlanta provides drivers and two electric vehicles for three to four people each in downtown Decatur.

 “Decatur shares our ideals of making peoples’ lives easier while leading the way on forward-thinking energy practices, so it’s truly a perfect fit,” said Shundel Cooper, operations manager for Let’s Ride Atlanta, in a statement.