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Boone Area Transit reports steady ridership, vehicle issues and staffing needs
Summary
Boone Area Transit System reported roughly 80–100 daily trips, 20 drivers and 20 vehicles; staff noted recent airbag recalls and one totaled vehicle, plans to hire later this summer, and described riders who rely on cross‑county medical trips.
Boone Area Transit System (BATS) told the Boone County Commissioners it continues to provide about 80 to 100 trips daily and currently operates 20 drivers and 20 vehicles.
Anita Bowen, speaking for BATS, said two new 2026 minivans briefly showed airbag-related warnings after delivery and were repaired; staff also repaired earlier-minivan airbag issues. Bowen reported one older van was totaled in an accident in late June and said the fleet remains serviceable while replacements are processed and plated. BATS plans to hire later in the summer to replace several retirees and will provide application information to the county.
Bowen highlighted service stories to illustrate demand: BATS recently began daily service for a teenager with autism traveling to a local school (with a caregiver) and provides cross-county trips for an elderly dialysis patient who travels to Carmel for treatment; the latter example underscores that BATS can operate trips that begin in Boone County and cross county lines for medical access.
Why it matters: BATS provides essential mobility for elderly and disabled residents, connects riders to medical and employment destinations and faces fleet and staffing pressures that may affect service availability.
Next steps: BATS will share hiring information with the county and continue to report fleet and ridership status to commissioners.
