Sidney Herald

Figures for Richland County Transportation Service show definite signs of growth and a need for the service. During a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, committee secretary and RCTS coordinator Jodi Berry said the growing numbers in rides for the second quarter compared to last year looks bright.

Last quarter, RCTS gave 11,449 rides compared to 6,089 rides the previous year, though some of those from last quarter were due to the air show. “This year, we’re on track – if December stays the way it should be and it’s actually been busier than it normally is – we’re going to have about 8,500 rides this quarter,” Berry said, “so that’ll still be going up.” She noted the second quarter usually slows down. “In three years to be able to be pulling those many rides in three months in an area this size, I think it’s pretty exciting,” she said.

In other business, committee members learned the Transportation Development Plan is moving forward. The plan is funded by the state Department of Transportation to conduct surveys and studies to determine the best way to utilize the transportation service in Richland County.

Berry said RCTS chose Urban and Rural Systems of Colorado to conduct the research that will begin in January. “One of the things they’re suggesting that maybe we look at – and they’ll get community input and talk to all of us too – they’re thinking maybe we should do some sort of fixed route with different scheduled stops...” she said, adding those who would need a ride from home could call and another driver would be sent. With the studies to begin next month, Berry said updates should be available at the State of the Community-Wide Conference.

Plans are also under way to construct new bus ports. After advertising went out, the transportation service received four requests to submit proposals for construction by Jan. 8. When that happens, a committee will select the winning proposal set for Jan. 19 at Richland Opportunities Incorporated.

With costs to run the transportation service far higher than what’s taken in, the committee is looking at ways to bring in more revenue. Last year, the service took in $10,227 in fares. The costs to run were at $142,874; the majority of it was paid for by the state. Cindy Ellison, Richland Opportunities Inc., suggested looking at advertising billboards on the buses, which could be effective if they’re on a fixed route.

Because the RCTS is funded based on performance, officials are looking for ways to increase the service’s use. Berry said she is looking into a ride incentive program to attract the younger population. Ideas that were discussed included holding a drawing or creating a promotional month, both of which would offer free rides to the public.

The transportation advisory committee meets bi-monthly to discuss issues dealing in transportation within the county. The committee isn’t part of RCTS but rather acts as a way for RCTS to meet the needs of the county. Each agency dealing with transportation issues and/or their effect on the county is represented on the transportation advisory committee. These include The Lodge, ROI, Crestwood Inn, Richland County Health Department, Richland County commissioners (who are also the RCTS board of directors), represented by Loren Young, RCTS, Commission on Aging, Sidney Health Center and the private sector. The meetings are open to the public.

reporter@sidneyherald.com쇓