By Greg Horner, Staff Reporter.
You’ve seen the buses parked on campus and you probably know a passenger or two, and tomorrow Bay County voters will take the wheel, and decide if they wish to renew a millage that funds the Bay Metro Transit System.
Eric Sprague, the general manager of the Metro Transit Authority, worries about the consequences if the millage is not renewed. “It would be a dramatic cut; a loss of 25 percent of our funding would have an impact on everything,” he said.
While no plans have been drawn up in the event the millage fails, Sprague says that fewer routes and fewer buses along with higher fares would likely be required. “It’s hard to imagine any service we offer that wouldn’t be affected.”
Supporters say residents without vehicles often rely on the Metro for transportation.
“Many of our passengers have few choices,” said Sprague. “How are these people supposed to get to work? How will they stay involved in the community?”
Many Delta students rely on the bus to get them to campus and home again.
“I usually take the bus two or three times a week, and I’ve never heard of a millage for it,” said Laura Gustafson, a Delta student and Metro rider. “I get to read a book on my way to class and the drivers are always very friendly and helpful.”
Delta students riding the Metro to school take Route 4, which travels between Auburn and downtown Bay City, and arrives on campus every 45 minutes. Tickets are available for sale in the bookstore on campus along with route maps and contact information.
Sprague is confident in the future of the Metro Transit System.
“We’ll continue to engage the community and promote better service to our riders.”
Voters will decide whether to continue the millage, or end it, Nov. 4.
