Athens is not the Mayberry it once was, according to Janice Woodruff, who this week asked Mayor Dan Williams and members of the Athens City Council if the city would consider starting a shuttle-bus service to lower gasoline consumption.
“You’ve got a good idea but, at present, we are nearing budget time and I don’t think we have the money,” said Council President Johnny Crutcher.
“I don’t know what we can do, but you have recognized a very critical problem,” said Councilwoman Milly Caudle.
Woodruff asked the council Wednesday to consider the proposal.
“With Athens growing as fast as it is, we’re not a little Mayberry, as we once were,” she said. “A bus service here would help with the gas crisis and would help people.”
Mayberry is the fictional town in North Carolina where two American television sitcoms were set – The Andy Griffith Show and Mayberry R.F.D.
Athens considered providing a trolley service to downtown last year, Williams said.
“We looked at what Montgomery is offering their citizens with trolley cars but it’s an awful expensive project,” the mayor said. “I think it costs $400,000 for one bus. Plus, you have to hire people to drive those buses. It would be very difficult to do it with the confines of the current budget we have. I do agree this is a good time to have something like that in Athens, especially for those who do not make a lot of money and have to drive to and from work.”
Montgomery charges a quarter per ride.
“Of course, you can’t make money at that rate with gas as high as it is today,” the mayor said.
The City Council and County Commission give money each year to the Athens-Limestone Council on Aging to pay for bus service for senior citizens. The service takes residents to the senior center, doctors’ offices and other locations.
Council on Aging Director Emily Haney said Wednesday the city and county combined appropriates $57,000 annually to operate the eight buses that run in the city and county. In addition, she said the city and county provide a 20 percent match to purchase any new buses needed. The remaining 80 percent is paid by the State Department of Transportation.
Also, Athens and Limestone County also appropriates $20,000 each to operate the kidney dialysis bus.
Local News
City bus service not likely prospect
- Local News
-
-
Burial detail seeks new members
The detail, which provides free military honors for families who request it, typically serves at 50 to 60 funerals per year. This year, Keyes said, the group has provided honors at more than 40 funerals already.
-
Ardmore Welcome Center turns 35
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the public is invited.
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
- More Local News Headlines
-
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
