Don’t Cut the Bus!

From WIBW.

Topeka – City busses will stay on Topeka’s streets on nights and weekends at least a little while longer.

At its meeting Monday evening, the Topeka Transit Authority board decided to delay its decision to end evening and Sunday service until at least Memorial Day.

Funding shortfalls initially had Topeka Transit poised to end those services April 1. The deadline was pushed back to April 22 before Monday’s action delayed it even further.

The board plans to ask the Topeka City Council to increase its mil levy cap. They say the limit hasn’t been raised since 1994.

Both the board and bus users agree how important the service is.

Ami Hyten with Topeka Independent Living Resource Center says many clients depend on public transportation to get to their jobs. She says the issue that must take priority since it is key to creating an economically viable community.

Board president Neta Jeffus agrees. She says transportation is the hub of a community. She says public transportation should be involved in any discussions on economic development.

The board dipped into its capital funds to keep the service going. That money had been set aside to match any federal grants they would get to replace their aging bus fleet, so Jeffus says it could become an even greater issue down the road if a new funding stream isn’t identified.