January 23, 2012

SandBox Comments: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel "New bus company mapping route to success"

Imagine a world where public transport was self-sustaining and not a constant burden on the backs of taxpayers.

Imagine a Roaring Fork Valley that had a transit system that people could afford to ride.  That still had all the enhanced (actually far more than we have now if RFTA loses the recent grant money from the Feds) features of the elite run companies.  That said 'No, thanks' to anything government involved in operations and simply conducted contractual hired business with all entities.

Imagine a world here in the valley of fewer busses running more efficiently and actually carrying riders.  A world where it is not a breaking news story that ridership is up by meager numbers.

Just imagine....

Mike Wiggins:

"When MV Transportation received a preliminary nod on a five-year contract to become the new provider of bus service in the Grand Valley, taking over for First Transit, then-Grand Valley Transit General Manager and First Transit employee Valdon Lewis predicted MV would realize no profit or lose money because of its value-priced bid.

MV Transportation officials are betting otherwise.

The Fairfield, Calif.-based company is in its third week operating 11 routes throughout Mesa County, and county officials say the transition from First Transit has been seamless thus far. Within two months, the company that operates more than 200 contracts in North America, including seven in Colorado, intends to separate itself from its predecessor by offering nighttime service and incorporating technology they say will enhance riders’ experience.

That boost in service is expected to come at little or no extra cost to taxpayers..."

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