COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Transit Advisory Committee heard updates Thursday on the ColumBus transit system’s finances, the status of the vanpool’s initiative, changes being considered to bus routes, methods of payment, and a new location for the bus hub.
Eric Frey of Administrative Resources indicated that there was $435,000 left in operating expenses for 2019. The transit system has applied for state grant money for an autonomous bus, but the electrically powered vehicle would have to meet the Federal Transportation Administration’s requirement for “made in America” status.
Metropolitan Planning coordinator Laura Thayer reported that the vanpool program is not yet in operation, because area employers are not signing on to help pay for it.
Transit coordinator Cindy Setser stated the recent route study brought to light several issues, which she would like to bundle into one set of recommendations to present to city officials.
