Efforts to save the struggling midlands regional transit authority continue.

The goal is to find stable and permanent funding to keep the buses rolling.

Local officials are taking the challenge one step further, hosting a transportation conference with national experts and advisors.

Melvin Walley takes the bus to work everyday and without it, he'd have no way to get to his job at Fort Jackson.

"A lot of people are going to be out of work if the buses stop rolling, because they depend on the bus," says Walley.

Like thousands of midlands bus riders Walley relies on the Central Midlands Regional Transit authority and local officials know he's not alone.

On Monday, the National Multi-Modal Transportation Conference set up in the capitol city one topic of conversation was keeping the Columbia bus system rolling.

"We here in Columbia and Columbia region have some pretty challenging transportation issues that we are facing,” says Ike Mcleese.

For years, the CMRTA has struggled to keep the buses on the road, but local leaders have never been able to find a permanent funding solution.

Right now, Richland County is generating money through vehicle taxes until 2011.

"So many people rely on that bus system, and so it's imperative that those who have been assigned a task to do it, that we continue to make sure that that bus continues to be a vital part of our community," says Joyce Dickerson.  

And a city without a bus system is something people like Melvin Walley never want to see.

"I'd be in trouble," says Walley.

All residents of Richland County and the City of Columbia are invited to participate in a community meeting about the future of transit in the Midlands area. This public input meeting will be held Saturday November 7 from 10-12 at the Eau Claire Print Building at 3907 Ensor Avenue on the corner of Ensor and North Main Street in Columbia (across from the Bi-Lo.) Coffee and doughnuts will be provided.

The purpose of the meeting is to hear from area residents about what their transportation needs or desires are and how the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) can make changes to attract new riders.  Do you, your clients and/or your employees have transportation needs?  Come out to the community meeting and let us know as we look at how the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA) currently operates and how it can improve.

The study process will address the full range of challenges and opportunities affecting, and affected by the current and future transit needs of Richland county and outlying areas.  The intended result of this process is the development of a plan to transform the area’s public transit system into an integral part of our community.

If you have questions or need more information call or email Cynthia Hardy at Maxim Communications Group 803 748 7424 or cynthia@maximdigital.com.