A two-year pilot program is about to get started in Berrien County to examine the need for a more robust mass transit system. Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chair Mac Elliot tells WSJM News the board on Thursday approved moving forward with the study.
“Looking at developing different options and scenarios to see if it’s feasible financially or otherwise to have some sort of countywide transportation system,” Elliot said.
Recent studies have shown a need for more bus services in some areas of the county. This program is intended to help address that issue by testing out different strategies. Elliot says nothing is etched in stone and this is just a pilot.
“To gather as much information as we can to determine if it’s something for which there is a justifiable need, and then if there is a responsible way to pay for it.”
Some commissioners at Thursday’s meeting said they don’t want to pursue a countywide millage to support such a system, as has been suggested. Elliot told us there are models in other counties where communities can contract with a county-wide system so the cost doesn’t fall on property owners in areas that aren’t benefiting.
