Starting next month public transit riders will be able to travel from Benzie County into Traverse City, thanks to a joint partnership between Benzie Bus and BATA. While specifics of the new expanded service are not available yet, The Ticker has learned that a fixed route between Frankfort and Interlochen will begin November 1st, and run approximately every two hours. BATA executive director Tom Menzel tells The Ticker that the cooperative effort between the transit companies is not only cost effective, but will hopefully attract new customers, and also “aligns with Governor Snyder’s request for local agencies to work together to better serve the public.” Menzel adds he hopes this new route will be permanent, and a model for working together with other transit agencies in the area including Wexford County, Antrim County, and Kalkaska. More information on the expanded service and route will be made public in the coming days.