Concerns over the local bus system were raised during a recent government meeting, highlighting significant issues regarding service quality and community engagement. A representative criticized the bus company for failing to fulfill a commitment made in 2012 to restore the transit system to its original state. Instead, they alleged that the company has manipulated data reported to the United States Federal Transit Administration, resulting in misleading ridership statistics.
The speaker called for an audit of the funds received by the bus company, questioning how the money has been utilized. They also pointed to a troubling incident involving a nearby corporation that reportedly pressured the bus company to relocate bus stops, which they claimed was done without community notification. This change has raised concerns about accessibility for minority riders.
Additionally, the speaker expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the buses, stating that they are rarely maintained and only get cleaned when it rains. They emphasized the lack of communication from the bus company, noting that neither riders nor bus drivers were consulted about recent changes to the system. The representative concluded by urging for greater involvement of the community in transit planning, stressing that effective operation requires input from both riders and drivers.