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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- After years of budget problems, city transit workers say the bus system is heading in the right direction.

Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority officials say new route changes and redesigned route maps are making the bus system faster and more user friendly.

Officials also have come up with long-term changes including expanded service to 90 percent of Richland County.

"We need to get a permanent funding source," explains CMRTA Chairwoman Joyce Dickerson.  "That is what we are working very, very hard to secure and once that is secure, we will be able to proceed."

If transit officials don't find a stable funding solution, they expect the money to run out in June of next year.