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Columbia, S.C. (WACH) - Riders depending on CMRTA's bus service around the Midlands will not have to find alternative transportation next month.

Columbia's City Council allocating $618,000 to keep the system afloat through the Spring.

CMRTA Chair and Columbia Councilman Brian DeQuincey Newman says the planned 65% reduction in service will not happen February 18th because of the funding.

"As a result of the temporary funds, we will actually delay that and hopefully we can continue to provide the funds necessary to eliminate those route cuts," said Newman.

The money is coming from a city reserve fund, and can only be used for operational purposes, such as public transportation.

Many of the customers who depend on the buses, were also the ones who lobbied hard to keep the system intact.

"I'm very happy and I think my co-workers should be happy," said Johnny Gordon.  Gordon takes the bus to Fort Jackson for work each day.

Richland County Council is scheduled to discuss whether they will contribute any more money to the system during its next council meeting February 7th.