Published: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 / Updated: Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009 07:24 AM

Rock Hill weighs more public transit options

City could use stimulus money to buy vehicles

Two years after joining a van-on-demand transit service that has steadily gained ridership, Rock Hill leaders are considering more options.

The city might put vans on the streets to provide public transportation during peak working hours. Passengers would call in advance and pay fees for each ride.

A decision is likely to play out over the next two months. City transit planners say $1.1 million in federal stimulus money could be used to purchase up to three vehicles and to cover operating expenses through 2011. But a pair of application deadlines looms in December and January.

“This is really the next step in trying to build a legitimate, well-managed public transit system,” said City Councilman John Gettys, a leading advocate for public transportation.

Van rides prove popular

Rock Hill and York County already provide a van-on-demand system, but it's geared mostly toward seniors who need rides to doctor's offices.

A fleet of vans carry more than 800 riders per month to medical offices, grocery stores, pharmacies and other destinations. The program is managed by the York County Council on Aging. The county started it in late 2006.

Medical appointments account for 55 percent of ridership, and the No. 1 destination is Rock Hill Dialysis Center in the “medical mile” off Constitution Boulevard.

The current service is limited in how much it can help working people. Passengers must call two days in advance to reserve rides for one-way fares of $2.50.

Riders can make reservations no more than two weeks into the future.

“It was really set up for people with medical appointments,” said Wendy Duda, director of the York County Council on Aging. “It was never designed for employment transportation.”

This week, Rock Hill City Council members expressed support for an enhanced system.

After stimulus money dries up in 2011, the city would have to pick up a $15,000 per year tab.

However, state and federal grants would continue paying 75 percent of the cost.

Even before the recession, Rock Hill's poverty rate stood at 14 percent, Gettys pointed out. Recent figures show one in five city residents are out of work.

“We've got to find a way for economic development to take hold in our community,” Gettys said. “We're committing to get people to jobs.”

Public transit is a touchy issue in Rock Hill.

The city's last attempt, a bus service operated by the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, ended in 2001 after being roundly labeled a debacle.

It was marred by what critics said were poorly advertised stops and schedules during its four-year run.

However, Gettys and supporters believe the success of van-on-demand has provided the foundation for another try. If City Council members move forward, an expanded service could start by July 2010, assuming stimulus money gets approved.

Transit in Rock Hill

What programs are currently available?

CATS 82X bus service from downtown Rock Hill to Charlotte

CATS 78X bus service along the Celanese Road corridor to light rail station in Pineville, N.C.

York County van-on-demand service taking riders anywhere in city or county

Three options for the future

The cheapest option

Continue the van-on-demand system, but remove the rule that says passengers can reserve rides no more than two weeks into the future.

Cost: Short-term costs would be covered by federal stimulus money. Longer term, the annual budget would be $11,250.

Peak period service

Buy three new vehicles and dedicate them for use by passengers going to and from work. Riders would still have to call in advance.

Cost: Vehicles could be purchased with stimulus money. Longer term, the annual budget would be $15,000 in operating costs.

Established bus routes

Establish a separate, new service that runs along established routes and makes regular stops around the city.

Cost: Short-term costs would range between $28,000 and $53,000. Longer term, the annual budget would be $53,000 in operating costs.