RESPONSE: A Story about Transportation

(*See below for link to A Story about Transportation)

Hello Danielle,

I’m Jim Heffernan and I too am running for Transportation Board (Position #1). I sympathize with your plight.

If you are within 3/4 of a mile of Highway 101 you can request a route deviation and be picked up at your location with a 2-hour advance phone call. They might even stretch the mileage a little.

But Mary (whom I like very much and will get my vote) and I together can’t really affect any changes in routes of scheduling. The Transportation Board is an oversight board, not a governing board. When there’s a meeting, the 7 board members review spending, budgets and performance statistics. Sometimes they are called on to vote on changes. They’re also advised about future plans. I’ve attended 2 meetings by way of “homework” and the only thing the board has been called on to vote on was extending at no cost a contract with a consulting firm.

The Miami-Foley road is a tough situation. If you take that road, you bypass Garibaldi, Rockaway Beach, and maybe Wheeler.

I know the District management reads the Pioneer and will consider ways to provide service to your area, but their budget is limited. I imagine it’s already on their wish list.

I have no way of knowing, but I suspect limited weekend Dial-a-Ride might be a future change they’re thinking about.

P.S. – Here’s a photo of me as a “walking” lawn sign. I’ve very much enjoyed my conversations with folks on the bus as I’ve explored TCTD. My main message is PLEASE VOTE!!