I thought pass along an update on the Relax & Ride program.
ROBERTSON COUNTY, Tenn. - The first two weeks of the new bus route between Robertson County and Nashville are proving to be a huge success.
About 25 people have been riding those buses for every one of their four daily routes, and officials at RTA said that is a high enough number to keep this route in operation.
From March 1 through 15, nearly 1,100 passengers have made the 45 minute trip from Robertson County into Nashville and home again.
It's a money and time saver for those who have to make the daily commute.
A round trip ticket only costs $3.50 and with gas prices on the rise, riders are happy to see public transportation options expanding into surrounding counties.
There are two round trips that leave Robertson County every morning beginning at 5:40 and 6:20 a.m. The return trips leave Nashville at 5:10 and 6:15 p.m.
It's not just residents in Robertson county eager to ride the bus. Public transportation use is up 23-percent over last year. Officials said the increase is partly due to the rise in gas prices.
Remember, this was the initiative the County passed back in December. I am glad that there has been such an interest and demand in this initiative.
But......what is the cost to the taxpayers to subsidize this?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous:
ReplyDeleteHow do you want it broken down? This is a collaborative effort by federal, state, city and county entities. Those riding, unless a state employee, pay a fee, as well. I would be happy to get the information you need.
How do you want it broken down? This is a collaborative effort by federal, state, city and county entities. Those riding, unless a state employee, pay a fee, as well. I would be happy to get the information you need.
ReplyDelete(No Kidding).....tax money......from where does that come! So, why do state employees not pay to use the service? Kind of unfair don't you think! They are paid with taxes, why the freebie?
Does the fee paid to ride cover all costs? How much is each Robertson County Resident paying to subsidize this effort? Additionally, as a result of tax paid subsidy, does this revenue (tax)effort result in the operation running at a loss (deficit)with each years funding adjusted to meet cost of operation. Or is the service self sufficient with usage fees covering all costs? If the plan is for tax/fee payers to continue to subsidize a deficit on an annualized basis this will only grow (i.e. continue to run at a loss with more and more coming from tax/fee payers who do not use the service. Especially, as gas prices are likely to increase with current issues in the Middle East.