GCTA adopts six-year transit plan

POMEROY-The Garfield County Transportation Authority (GCTA) presented their 2020 Transit Development Plan to the Board of Directors which was passed at their meeting September 21, 2020. The plan covers six years (2020-2025) of operating data, projections, accomplishments and goals.

The plan described the GCTA as providing weekday commuter bus service, twice weekly medical–shopper service to the Lewiston–Clarkston area, and local service within Garfield County,” and offers these services free of charge. In addition, the GCTA offers connection services with Asotin County PTBA and Lewiston Transit, with Northwest Trailways (Greyhound) for bus terminal and airport connections, as well as Columbia County’s Public Transportation system at Dodge Junction for service to Dayton, Walla Walla, and the Tri-Cities.

Changes and accomplishments for the GCTA in 2019–20 included the purchase of a new 2020 ADA-compliant, 14-passenger cutaway bus, and a 2015 Chevrolet Express van to assist with the commuter and demand response services (local service). The agency also changed its logo and created its own website. Maintained relationships include the Garfield County Hospital District, Aging and Long Term Care’s office in Yakima, and the Pomeroy Food Bank for transportation services.

Goals for 2021 include increasing ridership overall, and possibly expanding the medical–shopper service to four days per week if demand increases. The GCTA is looking to replace the commuter van and local service Ford Flex SUV through grant funding, and continues to plan for zero percent emission vehicles in the future. Part of that plan includes looking for grant opportunities to get an electric vehicle charging station in Garfield County.

In other business, Rachel Anderson, GCTA General Manager, reported that there has been an increase in requests for the Medical–Shopper service, which has created a waiting list on some days. She also has been notified that Walla Walla Community College in Clarkston will soon be open for in-person classes, which will impact the number of riders on the commuter service route.

Anderson also informed the Board that the GCTA is considering replacing the commuter van with a smaller SUV with the ability to transport wheelchairs. The smaller vehicle will save on fuel expense. Along with the replacement of the Ford Flex SUV, the projected cost is about $80,000. A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) grant will cover 80% of the cost, according to Anderson. The GCTA has enough in a reserve fund to cover their 20% portion.

The GCTA received their second installment of CARES Act funding in the amount of $58,257, and the WSDOT 2021 Sales Tax Equalization award of $7,228. Anderson stated that this amount is down from $10,000 received last year, although local sales tax revenue has been staying steady.

The next meeting of the GCTA will be October 19, 2020, at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend by teleconference.