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Mooresville extends 83X bus service for six months
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Published: October 7, 2009
Despite threats to eliminate funding in December for the 83X Mooresville-to-Charlotte commuter bus service, Mooresville commissioners on Monday approved another six months of service while reducing the number of round trips.
Beginning Feb. 1, the 83X express service will offer three daily commuter buses instead of four, a step that saves the town $10,628 but eliminates one departure and arrival time slot. Charlotte Area Transit Authority (CATS), which operates the bus service, will conduct a public hearing for rider input on new times for service.
While two bus riders spoke at the Monday's town board meeting in favor of continuing the service, several said after the meeting their reasons for using the bus service are economic ones.
"There are a lot of single-income families out there with this economy," explained Mary Colucci, standing with a group of women who said they were in the same situation.
Sharlene Davis, a CATS rider for 10 years, said she saves $165 monthly by not having to pay for uptown Charlotte parking, in addition to savings on gas and wear on her car.
A one-way bus fare is $3 for riders in Iredell County or $30 per week.
About 75 commuters currently use the bus service, but with some of those bus riders living outside town limits, Mooresville commissioners say they shouldn't be shouldering the full cost of the CATS funding. So far, Iredell County commissioners have not financially supported the CATS service.
In May, town commissioners directed Transportation Planner Neil Burke to find other sources of money for the bus service. Burke reported Monday that no grants had been identified or agreements reached with other counties to petition for a fare increase.
Currently, Mooresville splits the cost with the CATS for the 83X bus, paying $42,510 for six months of service. With Monday night's decision Mooresville will reduce its six-month cost by 25 percent and pay $31,882.
Commissioners Frank Rader and Chris Carney tried to rally support for a 50 percent cost cut, saying two buses should provide adequate capacity for CATS riders since each can carry 45 passengers.
Burke said he could not recommend service with only two buses, because ridership increased to 120 passengers when gas prices rose last year and because two buses didn't allow enough flexibility for people's schedules.
Burke also pointed out in his presentation that about 77,000 vehicles travel I-77 daily on the stretch from Langtree Road to Charlotte, with 6,390 vehicles using the interstate during morning and evening rush hours. Burke said taking 75 cars off the road diverts about one percent of the traffic volume to the bus, also eliminating exhaust emissions.
"The bus is not going to solve the region's air quality status, but it does show that we are being proactive," he said.
The Charlotte region currently has a non-attainment status, meaning the region's air quality does not meet national standards. Mooresville Commissioner Miles Atkins asked how that status is affecting economic development and suggested approaching CATS funding from this angle.
Mooresville South Iredell Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Russell Rogerson responded by saying the repercussions when air quality does not conform to federal standards can be severe.
"Non attainment is a huge job killer," said Rogerson, saying it is a status that cuts down on inquiries by corporations because costs increase for employers, especially in the motorsports industry.
Mayor Bill Thunberg said towns receive credit when they find solutions for air emissions. Wanting to be viewed as "a good regional player," commissioners voted 4-2 to continue CATS service using three buses. Carney and Rader opposed the motion.
For bus rider Shirley Adams, who works for Wells Fargo and often catches the bus at a different time each day, the continuation of funding was a relief. "I'm very glad it's three buses, I really don't think we could manage on two, because I don't have an 8 to 5 job," said Adams.
In other action the town board:
*Unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow a hotel on the corner of Fairview Road and Legacy Village Blvd. The previously announced Homes 2 Suite Hotel is a new Hilton mid-scale brand designed for extended stay. The permit allows two years before beginning construction.
Bob Ham and Dale Isom of Spectrum Hospitality LLC spoke in opposition, saying every category is projected to decline from occupancy rates to daily average room rates in the next four quarters, yet the number of new hotel rooms is increasing.
Isom said the Marriott TownePlace Suite would be opening next week adding another 116 rooms. He questioned whether the marketplace would be able to support the addition of even more rooms with a new Hilton.
*Approved a conditional use permit allowing a used car lot at 540 E. Plaza Dr.
*Approved a local historic landmark designation for the William Newton Johnston & Sons Company buildings on lots spanning 102, 104, 106, and 108 N. Broad St.
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