Staying with the story
We have covered the WestCAT public transit system since it was first started in April of 2013.
WestCAT buses stopped operations Friday.
Developmental Disabilities of Clark County ended the public transpiration system after New Carlisle City Council members voted unanimously not to fund the bus service, which had been in operation since April 2013.
The discontinuation of the buses, however, will not eliminate any jobs.
Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee Transportation Planner Glen Massie said after the vote that he was disappointed that the service would not continue.
“Obviously, I’m concerned for the people that do use the bus. I’d like to have an alternative for them, but I understand where they’re (council members) are coming from,” Massie said.
Melissa Dabe, a spokeswoman with developmental disabilities, said the buses did not run Friday because of the extreme cold. Officials said it’s unlikely the bus service will return as it is unlikely to get funding from other sources, including the Clark County commissioners.
WestCAT began running two buses throughout western Clark County — which includes New Carlisle, Park Layne, Enon and Mad River Twp. — in April 2013. It also had stops in Springfield and Fairborn. It had 1.5 riders per trip and 7.5 riders per day.
The buses were donated by developmental disabilities and the service was funded largely with federal, state and local money, but includes $5,000 each from New Carlisle, Mad River Twp. and Enon. Riders paid $2 for an adult fare.
Funding this year was dropped to $4,000, but the cut still wasn’t enough to save the service.
City Manager Kim Jones recently sent an email to Clark County commissioners, asking if they would use some of the county’s casino money to help.
Jones’ letter to the commissioners stated that $15,000 a year would take the burden of local share away from New Carlisle, Enon and Mad River Twp. and help serve residents who need bus service to get to work, doctor’s appointments and other places.
Commissioner John Detrick said he would support the board providing $3,000 to $4,000 to fund WestCAT this year.
Commissioner Rick Lohnes said he would consider funding WestCAT, but wanted to receive data about the service before he makes a decision.
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