Bladen Area Rural Transportation asks board for three part‑time drivers to meet rising demand

Caitlyn Chambers, the recently appointed director of the Bladen Area Rural Transportation System (BART), asked the Bladen County Board of Commissioners to approve hiring three part‑time drivers to be included in the FY 2026‑27 budget.

Chambers said the positions would not use county general fund dollars and instead would be covered by revenues from existing contracts — including a newly referenced contract with Monarch — and increased ridership following a recent advertising campaign. "BARTs is currently very busy and ridership across the county has increased this year due to our new contract with Monarch and a recent advertising campaign," Chambers said, noting the system has had to turn down riders who rely on transportation for medical appointments, work and school.

During questions, Chambers and her consultant described operational limits: at peak times vehicles are fully deployed (she reported operating six vehicles when fully staffed), and staff said they sometimes must delay appointments until after 10 a.m. because drivers are unable to return in time under current schedules. Chambers estimated multiple daily missed trips during the busiest windows and said the additional staff would improve schedule reliability and allow the system to serve medical and educational trips currently being refused.

Commissioners emphasized the need to be consistent across departments when adding positions but supported the request after staff confirmed no new county general fund dollars were required. The board approved the proposed hires by voice vote.

What this means: BART will proceed to add three part‑time drivers funded by contract revenues. Staff noted the move aims to reduce turned‑away trip requests and improve access to medical care and education for residents who depend on the service.