Cumberland Shuttle Could Cost $1.2M Yearly

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An initial analysis of a proposed commuter shuttle for the Cumberland area estimates that it could cost the county around $1.2 million a year to operate.

AECOM out of Los Angeles says in its report that people it surveyed in the area would support the idea of a shuttle service and want to see the shuttles operate on Sundays, the Marietta Daily Journal reports. Cobb DOT Director Faye DiMassimo told the MDJ that a successful Sunday shuttle service could prompt Cobb County Transit to begin Sunday operations, as well.

The proposed route for the shuttle starts on Akers Mill Road near Cumberland Mall, crosses I-75, heads north on Cumberland Boulevard, heads west on Windy Ridge Parkway, then south on South Cobb Drive.

Cobb Commission Tim Lee joined DiMassimo in cautioning that the initial analysis was far from final, but said he hoped to have the system in place by the end of next year. Lee added that funding has not yet been discussed, but suggested that some of the hotel/motel tax could help cover the costs.

AECOM should present its finding to the Cobb Board of Commissioners during its August work session, the MDJ says.