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Low Ridership, High Costs; Bus Stops Here

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By GEORGE WILKENS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

PLANT CITY - The city bus system that has struggled to attract customers since it was launched with a federal grant eight years ago will terminate service at the end of the month.

City Manager David Sollenberger said eliminating bus service will save $182,500 annually.

Sollenberger's announcement disappointed some at the May 27 city commission meeting, but in an era of declining tax revenue and rising fuel prices, none disputed it was necessary.

"The transit system has been near and dear to me," City Commissioner Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis said. "But it really hasn't brought the revenue we anticipated."

Mayor Rick Lott concurred. "Staff has done everything in the world to make this work," he said. The savings will help the city balance the budget for the coming fiscal year, he added.
Commissioner Robert Brown called it a shame service must end after officials tried for years to achieve ridership goals. He added, however, "Because of budget constraints this is just going to have to be pulled."

The bus system averaged 193 daily riders during April, according to the latest Plant City Transit Service counts. Numbers for previous months were similar.

The city operates two 14-passenger minibuses, Monday through Friday. Each can also accommodate two riders in wheelchairs, said Community Development Director Jim McDaniel, whose responsibilities include the bus system.

The service was launched July 1, 2000 with a $1 million public transportation grant the city used to secure a three-year contract with Hillsborough Area Regional Transit to operate two minibuses. The county dubbed the line the Strawberry Connection.

By early 2004, with federal funds depleted, city officials began expressing concern about escalating costs and a handful of riders. The city took over operation of the bus service after the federal grant was spent.

Mathis urged notice of the June 27 termination be circulated widely, including with city utility bills.

The two fulltime drivers will be offered other city positions, Sollenberger said. The service's three part-time drivers will not, McDaniel said.

The city will sell the three minibuses in its fleet.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

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