Preston bus line still going after almost shutting down recently
While the Preston to Logan CVTD line will experience a few changes, it will continue to run thanks to funding from the Pocatello Regional Transit, Franklin County and local donors.
This new line was set up in October to better serve those who travel from Preston to Logan every day for work or school. About 45 people per day travel the line, according to Todd Beutler, CVTD operations manager. The line runs twice in the morning from Preston to Logan and then twice back in the afternoon/evening.
Recently the CVTD had to look for areas to cut expenses in, and this line was a candidate. After looking at many possibilities, it was decided that the PRT would provide the funding for the Idaho part of the route while the CVTD would provide the funding for the Utah part.
Grants are in place to provide part of the Idaho funding, but local cities must match the grants.
According to Phillip Abrams, that means $5,000 of local donations will be needed to keep the bus running until April 2008. Abrams is the appointed head of a group of 30 riders who are trying to raise awareness about the situation. So far the group has raised $500, but Abram believes they will be able to raise the necessary amount due to riders’ contributions, which he said will come throughout the year.
After April 2008, the funding will need to be reapplied for and again matched. Buetler said he doesn’t make promises about things he can’t keep for sure but is very optimistic about the future of this line.
Another change the line will see is the loss of the Franklin stop and a new stop in Lewiston. Beutler said. There weren’t enough riders in Franklin, but the CVTD still wanted those people to be able to drive a short distance to catch the bus, and thus added the Lewiston stop. This change will begin on April 2, Beutler said.
“We are always hopeful (the number of riders) will continue to increase,” Beutler said, and if this happens more stops could be added.
In a recent letter to the editor, Abrams and his fellow riders said while the bus may take a little longer, they have found this time valuable to work on crafts, plan their day, read, listen to music and books on tape, or even take a nap.
“We would not recommend doing any of these things while driving,” the letter stated.
Not only are riders able to do other things on their way to work, but the reduced number of cars contributes to the air quality in Cache Valley. Jill Parker, public information officer for the Bear River Health Department, said reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled helps the air quality as it is the number one contributor to bad air quality.
The CVTD encourages everyone to ride the bus when possible and welcomes any feedback as “this is their system,” Buetler said.
-albaugh@cc.usu.edu