For some, riding a “CAT” bus might be a state of mind

Only a few people took part in today’s “CAT” bus hearing in Seneca, but the bus officials received ideas about how giving up the keys to a gas guzzler and riding a bus can generate larger numbers of riders in both Seneca and surrounding area.  Today’s hearing centered on the proposed elimination of the Connector Route designed to transport students to the Oconee campus of Tri-County Tech on highway 11.  Hearing moderator Ed Halbig at the outset announced that Connector Route rider numbers have never reached what they had hoped.  And, by eliminating the route, nine of ten stops can be absorbed by other dedicated routes, with one exception:  the local Tri-County Technical College campus.  Halbig opened the hearing to general comments on how “CAT” can better meet the needs of Seneca’s riding public, especially those who rely on the free service to get to and from work.  Jody Gaulin, a Friendship Road resident and supporter of bus service, believes a better marketing effort can increase ridership and especially remove stigmas that have been associated with the service.  An official of the Ride-to-Work Ministry says he has many clients who need transportation to Tech and without service they have few options, other than riding a moped or a bicycle along what, at times, can be dangerous rural roads.