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Bay County weighs options for veteran transportation as trips fall and state limits capital purchases
Summary
Officials reported a drop in veteran ride usage (24 trips vs. 58 year prior), uncertainty about vehicle funding after the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency barred capital purchases, and plans to meet face-to-face with Saginaw transit and explore Bay Metro and STARS partnerships before deciding whether to continue the county-operated program.
Bay County Veterans Affairs Committee members reviewed the county's transportation program on March 18, saying trips have fallen since the previous year and that a recent state restriction on capital purchases complicates vehicle replacement plans.
Staff reported 24 trips between the last meeting and March 18, down from 58 in the same period the year before. "That's down from 58 the year prior," a staff member said, adding that staffing shortages contributed: one driver covered most trips for the period and two drivers were added within the prior two weeks.
Committee members said they will investigate outside options before deciding whether to continue a county-operated vehicle service. Staff and the director said they plan a face-to-face visit to Saginaw to find the transportation administrator responsible for the Vet Ride program after repeated unanswered calls and emails. "We're going to physically go out there," a staff member said; "we'll know more by next meeting." The committee also discussed coordinating with Bay Metro and STARS, which could provide scheduled pickups and transfers.
Bay Metro representative Dave Smith was cited in committee discussion as saying the agency operates about 70 vehicles and may be able to provide multiple daily drop-offs and pick-ups for Bay County veterans. "We have almost 70 vehicles, and they might have the capability to pick up this veteran's drivers," the staff recounted from his conversation with Dave Smith. Bay Metro suggested a possible $2 one-way fare per rider (roughly $4 round trip) if the agencies coordinate transfers.
Committee members raised liability and training concerns because county drivers are not emergency medical personnel. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) informed the county by email that no capital purchases (including vehicles) would be allowed going forward from MVAA funds, which committee members said would narrow funding options for vehicle replacement. Staff noted MVAA still covers salaries but not capital equipment.
Committee members said recruitment and retention of volunteer or paid drivers remains the most uncertain element. One member summarized the choice as fiscal feasibility first: if the county cannot cover costs, it may need to discontinue direct vehicle service and rely on partner agencies. The committee set direction to continue research, meet Saginaw transit staff in person, and report back at the next meeting.
Ending: No policy change or vote occurred on March 18; the committee will return with findings from planned meetings with Saginaw, Bay Metro and STARS and a recommendation about continuing the service.
