BRANCH COUNTY — County voters will be asked Tuesday to renew the 0.35 mills used to fund the Branch Area Transit System, known as BATA, for another five years.
BATA Director Kara Derrickson said the renewal for the 40-year-old bus system provides about 29% of BATA's $2.1 million operating budget, with the remainder coming from state and federal sources and passenger fares.
State transportation money matches the 80% of federal transportation grants.
Derrickson emphasized that without the millage, BATA may have to cut services and raise fares, which could affect the many people who rely on the bus system for transportation to work, school, and essential appointments.
"Last year was our highest year ever with 137,604 rides," Derrickson said. For the three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership dropped below 119,000.
The county transit system has a fleet of 16 buses and a dedicated team of 20 drivers.
The bus system offers a Monday through Friday demand response service, allowing riders to schedule rides 24 hours in advance for appointments and other activities. Because busses pick up and drop off others, BATA asks riders to provide a 45-minute leeway on times.
Additionally, BATA runs a semi-fixed route with flexible stops around Coldwater to accommodate the needs of its passengers.
BATA service begins at 4:30 a.m. for those working early shifts without transportation.
Senior rides account for 40% of rides, 62,000 last year.
Derrickson said, "Quite a few of our seniors don't have any other way except for BATA. We get to know those people on a first name basis. They count on us."
Bus fares
Fares for those aged 19 to 59 are $1.30 within the city limits, $1.60 within five miles of the city limits, and $2.50 for anything over five miles.
There is half fare for people with disabilities, seniors 60 and older, and children under three.
Those who use BATA for shopping can carry two bags for free. There is a charge for three or more bags. "The bags take up seating space," Derrickson explained.
BATA runs bus routes for school children who don't qualify for school bus service. Fares are $1 in the city, $1.30 up to five miles from the city limits, and $1.60 over five miles.
Derrickson said BATA runs a bus of around 20 students between Coldwater and Quincy for school students.
Children often use that service to get to after-school care.
Derrickson said BATA has always been transparent about its financial needs and has managed to operate within its means, which requires the millage renewal.
The community has strongly supported BATA with past millage renewals passing with a two-to-one ratio.
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The county commission appointed the BATA board, and Derrickson urges voters to ensure that BATA can continue to serve the county with their vote on Tuesday.
— Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: BATA millage renewal on Tuesday's ballot in Branch County
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