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Workers, riders and advocates urge council to preserve coverage as transit plan advances
Summary
More than 20 residents and employers pressed council to preserve stops to MAHEC, Transformation Village, Social Security and outlet malls, arguing cuts would harm seniors, medical patients and low‑income workers; speakers suggested employer partnerships, targeted shuttles, microtransit and alternative revenue sources.
An extended public‑comment period brought standing‑room crowds to the dais as dozens of riders, social‑service advocates and business representatives urged the city to reject or substantially modify the draft transit network.
“Please do not approve the draft transit plan in its current state,” said Bethany Cobb, director of marketing and communications at the Omni Grove Park Inn, describing thousands of employee rides the property’s staff rely on and warning that cuts to stops near the hotel would hurt a major employer. Multiple speakers representing community groups, Just Economics and transit riders described practical impacts including lost access to dialysis (MAHEC), Social Security, Transformation Village (a shelter) and outlet mall jobs. Several speakers urged the council to pause the scheduled vote and study hybrid options such as on‑demand microtransit, employer‑funded shuttles, or reconfigurations that preserve key low‑ridership but essential stops.
Advocates also pointed to the survey results: staff noted 1,350 responses, many indicating dissatisfaction with the draft network. Speakers asked council to seek more funding sources, deepen county coordination, and avoid permanent cuts that are difficult to restore. Councilors acknowledged the public comments and asked staff to consider the top concerns before the Aug. 25 action date.
