Locals depending on BTA for transportation are anxiously waiting for more information as local authorities discuss the future of the local busing service. In recent months, Uintah County Commissioners have announced their intention to discontinue funding of BTA and have emphasized the need for funding to reinstate the Wellness Wagon. Presenting to the Vernal City Council, local BTA rider Jerry Davis made his case for BTA’s place in the community. “I got a job because of the bus service,” says Davis. “I work in the foster grandparent program and have even been able to go to Duchesne to serve. Because of the bus I could justify it and I know a lot of people who travel in Vernal and to Duchesne County for jobs that can do it because of the bus.” While discussions are still early, ideas have been tossed around like making taxi vouchers available if BTA service is stopped. While the idea may be good in theory, Davis worries that the service will not provide a dependable schedule for people trying to get to a job on time. The BTA service was discussed during a meeting
on Monday
between Uintah County, Vernal and Naples City. Following that meeting, Vernal City Mayor Sonja Norton said that final decisions have yet to be made but that a public meeting has been scheduled to include Duchesne County, Uintah County, local cities and the Transportation Special Service District. The discussion will focus on BTA and the Wellness Wagon and will be held in the Uintah County Commission conference room on
September 12th at 3:00pm
.
