The future of the Basin Transit Authority bus system in Uintah County is the topic of a public meeting scheduled for next week. Since its inception in 2012, the BTA has been funded through the Utah Department of Transportation with the Uintah Transportation Special Service District providing the local matching funds. The federal funds cover about 60 percent of the operational costs leaving the transportation district to fund approximately $190,000 each year. While the transportation district board budgeted for the $190,000 to fund BTA in 2019, the board only approved the payment of the first 3 months of 2019. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for the transportation district board to explain their decision and what comes next. In the meantime, those who depend on the bus system are eager for answers as they feel concerned about the program’s future. Rod Withee is just one example of a local citizen who depends on the bus system and became concerned when he heard the funding for 2019 was in limbo. Withee began making phone calls, hoping to get some answers and share his support for BTA. “The bus service is how I get to doctor and other appointments and without it I am out of luck,” shares Withee. “There are also the elderly and others who can’t drive due to health who simply need the bus to function.” The meeting to discuss the BTA’s future will be held
Monday, February 25th, at 4:30pm
in the Community Room at Vernal City Hall. Uintah County Commissioners, transportation district board members, and the Mayors and City Council members from Ballard, Naples, and Vernal will be in attendance to discuss all sides of this topic. The public is invited to attend and brief public comments will be taken during the meeting.
