The Southern Iowa Trolley confronted decrease ridership and gear delays, however now, the company is bouncing again.
CRESTON, Iowa — Public transportation is a necessary service for a lot of rural Iowans.
Creston resident Dr. Jesse Bolinger has been utilizing the Southern Iowa Trolley for 20 years.
“I use the trolley system on a near-daily basis,” stated Bolinger, who’s president of Bolinger Solutions. “I couldn’t do what I do without the trolley.”
Fellow resident Nancy Redding makes use of the trolley to get to each work and run her weekly errands.
“Fridays is the day I go to Fareway, and to Walmart and to Hy-Vee,” she stated.
The Southern Iowa Trolley is a public transit community serving seven counties and works as an on-demand rideshare. Like many issues, the company hasn’t been proof against the pandemic.
“Our ridership…in 2019…was around 130,000, in all seven counties. In 2021, it was roughly 90 [thousand],” stated Leesa Lester, transit director for the Southern Iowa Trolley.
Meanwhile, two of the autos within the fleet are exhibiting their age.
“They’re 14 and13 years old. They’re well past their useful life,” stated Lester.
While that is commonplace for that sort of economic automobile, getting replacements hasn’t been straightforward. The company waited almost 9 months for the 2 that just lately arrived.
“The biggest issue from the manufacturers, of course, were parts because plants shutting down,” Lester stated.
Now, issues are wanting up.
Those new buses shall be in service quickly. Plus, ridership is climbing.
Ridership is a crucial determine when Lester makes her pitch to counties she serves for subsequent 12 months’s funding.
“Clark County’s jumped 3000 some rides, and Union’s increased around 4000. I think a lot of it’s because of the schools back in session, a lot more parents want transportation for your kids. Our senior riders are back to riding,” she informed the Adair County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday.
That’s excellent news for riders like Dr. Bolinger and Redding.
“It’s transportation for everybody. And I wish more people knew that,” stated Dr. Bolinger.
“The trolley is one of the greatest things in this town,” stated Redding.
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