The Allen County Regional Transit Authority is working to get the word out about cuts that will happen if their issue on the ballot doesn't pass in November.
Due to the loss of two federal grants, the Allen County RTA is asking voters to approve an additional quarter-percent sales tax to replace the lost funding. If passed, the additional revenue will allow them to continue current services and provide some additional services. If it doesn't pass, cuts will have to be made. The cuts would be implemented in five phases starting December 1, 2017, with the elimination of Saturday service, and any free community service, along with the closing of the bus lobby on weekends for Greyhound passengers. RTA officials say the first to feel the changes will be the elderly and disabled.
To learn more about the proposed changes, public hearings have been scheduled, and information is also available at their office at 200 East High Street. The first public hearing is this Friday, October 20th at 10 a.m. in the RTA administrative building. A second public hearing will be Wednesday, October 25th at 3 p.m. at the Bradfield Center. A final one will be Thursday, November 2nd at 6 p.m. at the RTA administrative building. They will be accepting comments regarding the changes up until the last public hearing, at which time they will be read publicly and become part of the hearing record.
Transportation can be arranged for any of the public hearings by calling 419-222-2782.
