CMRTA to Host Public Forums on Possible Bus Route Reductions

Citizens can weigh in on the topic of possible reductions in bus routes at three public forums in October. 

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority is hosting the forums with the support of the City of Columbia and Richland County. 

Under the proposed cuts, weekend and holiday CMRTA bus routes would be cut and services would be reduced between 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on weekdays.

The CMRTA board on the cuts from a representative with Veoila Transportation, the company that operates the bus system, in late August.

Before the city and the county can approve the cuts, they are required to hold public hearings. Each forum will begin with a brief presentation of the proposed changes. Staff will be available to answer questions and take comments. 

The CMRTA is facing a deficit of about $3 million. The money that Richland County and the City of Columbia approved for the bus service may not be enough to continue operations through 2012 without making cuts, said CMRTA board chair Joyce Dickerson. 

Here is the schedule of the forums: 

Tuesday, Oct. 18

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

City of West Columbia Municipal Complex

200 North 12th St., West Columbia 

Wednesday, Oct. 19

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 

Richland County Public Library 

1431 Assembly St., Columbia 

Saturday, Oct. 22

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

CMRTA Administration Building

3613 Lucius Road, Columbia