WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Perspective on the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority

Perspective on the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority

(Columbia) July 5, 2006 - The bus system that serves greater Columbia is at a dangerous crossroads.  The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority can continue to operate through 2008 using existing funds, but only with drastic cuts in services. By the end of 2006, this year, service would need to be reduced by as much as 85% to make ends meet.

The system would then be a shadow of itself, and Midlands people who take more than 2.7 million bus rides each year to work, school, shopping and the doctor would be left standing at the curb.

When SCE&G signed over the bus system in 2002, the utility provided the Authority with $32 million in temporary funding.  That money is fast running out.

The Transit Authority operates with an annual budget of about $11 million. The Authority has reduced operating costs by $1 million annually through service cuts and efficiencies.

But only 15% of CMRTA's current funding comes from passenger fares. 37% comes from the SCE&G startup funding, and 21% from their annual contribution. The rest comes from the City and from Federal and State grants.

To survive, the Transit Authority must now find a long-term, dedicated source of funding.

Five potential funding options have been discussed, including a Property Tax rate increase, a Local Option Sales Tax, Vehicle Registration Fee, Gas Tax Reallocation/ Gas Tax Increase, and Private Corporate Grants.

Most of these options require government action.  None are popular.  All have some pain attached to them.  But we have to understand that public transportation is vital to the success of a progressive city.  Among the unattractive options, some sort of tax increase is probably the best choice.

CMRTA has had a successful first three years, with ridership up 30%. The Authority needs and deserves community support.

We'd like to know what you think.