Community needs bus service to serve citizens

Dear Mayor McNeal and Council Members:

It was disheartening to read coverage in the Mountain Home News concerning budget cuts for the Treasure Valley Transit bus service.

Frankly, I'm puzzled by some of the statements and quotes in the article. Were some of the "quotes" attributed to council members transcribed accurately?

For instance, Councilwoman Isaac reportedly stated, "I think we take public transit out completely." We take public transit out? What does that mean? And a subsequent quote, "...we could probably do as a city with vouchers..." Do as a city? Do WHAT as a city? Does the city have vouchers? When countering Mayor McNeal, she purportedly said, "you have 50 people in the audience and 4,000 that don't agree with it." Who are these 4,000 people?

As for utilizing "other existing taxi and van services," I did utilized it once for a trip within the city. For a distance of about 4 miles I paid $8. I didn't have enough money for the return trip, so I had to walk home. I don't know what their fares would be for trips to the base (where I work). When I drive, it's about 15 miles one-way from my house.

Councilman Rist is quoted as saying "I have yet to talk to anyone in favor of the buses." Was he absent from the council meetings a few months ago where the council chambers were filled with folks IN FAVOR of the bus service?

Just within the last couple months, the buses serving the route to the base have seen an INCREASE IN ridership. I'm sure the increasing fuel costs play a part, but I know word-of-mouth "advertising" by other riders has helped. During peak hours, I've counted 22 to 23 riders on many trips.

At least two of our "regular" riders utilize both the city bus and connect to the base bus because they are unable to drive due to physical disabilities.

I would use the "city bus" also... if it came closer to where I live. I live 2 miles from the closest route, so I choose to drive to Take One Cinema (where the owner is kind enough to allow us to park) to catch the base bus. As a "senior" with an older car, I really appreciate the bus service.

I attended a couple city council sessions a few months ago, when the bus issue was discussed. At that time, I perceived the council members as being open-minded and willing to try supporting the bus service. That's why this "turn-around" has taken me by surprise. The federal government vouchers and department of transportation cover a large part of the costs.

I've lived in Mountain Home for 35 years. I've seen the population nearly double. I've watched our smaller businesses close their doors as the "big box" stores were built. I yearn for a re-vitalized downtown district with no vacant buildings. I believe in supporting our local businesses. Along with that, I believe it's time not only to SUPPORT public transportation, but ENCOURAGE it in our community. Public transportation means fewer cars on the road, less vehicle emissions, less traffic congestion, less parking hassles, along with gas savings and less wear on our roads and highways.

I challenge our city leaders to take another look at Mountain Home's image and potential and re-consider "closing the door" on the bus issue.

Barbara Bogard