Less people are utilizing Fayette County Public Transit, according to a report released this week by the state of Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Transportion released its 2014 Indiana Public Transit Annual Report Monday, which shows the number of riders using the public transit system in Fayette County falling by almost 5,000 people.
Fayette County Public Transit had a total of 33,520 riders in 2013, but saw a sharp decrease for 2014, falling to a total of 28,952 riders.
Frank Nutty, current director of transportation for Fayette County Public Transit, said Tuesday while he couldn’t explain the drop in numbers between 2013 and 2014 — Nutty assumed the position in March of this year — he said there were a few reasons he could see for the decrease which has taken place with riders thus far this year.
“The trends I’ve seen here, since I’ve been here, is I think we’ve lost as many as 12 riders due to death,” Nutty said.
Medicaid and Medicare have also played a role in the decrease Nutty has seen this year in transit riders locally.
“They changed the rules here about six weeks ago,” he said. “They’re paying for doctor’s appointments, but not the transportation anymore. So people are now finding alternative ways, like a brother, sister, or another. That’s the trend with ridership here, right now.”
Nutty added that Fayette County Public Transit has picked up some new riders, he said, but that it simply balances out the number of those lost.
“That just keeps the numbers the same,” he said.
He was quick to comment, also, that while many in the community might think Fayette County Public Transit is only for special-needs or the elderly, any resident can utilize it.
“We’re going to be on Channel 3 next month to try to really promote what we’re about, and that’s public transportation,” he said. “Before I started here, that’s exactly what I thought it was for — the elderly and special needs. And it’s not. It’s public transportation. We’ll take John Doe or Jane Doe to Walmart for a minimum fee of $2.50 and a lot of people just don’t know that. Rarely do we get someone 28 years old who wants a ride.”
As for the rest of Fayette County Public Transit’s 2014 report, the department transported residents 158,915 miles in 2014, while running for a total of 11,978 hours. Its peak times saw a maximum of seven of its 11-vehicle fleet in use, with the average being three vehicles in use.
Operating expenses totaled $314,814, with its revenue — from its fares along with local, state and federal sources — matching that. The local assistance provided Fayette County Public Transit totaled $60,874.
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