Traverse City Record-Eagle

Newsmakers 2009

December 23, 2009

Newsmakers: BATA bus system turned around

BY ALEX PIAZZA

Editor's note: Newsmakers '09 explores the stories that made headlines in northwestern Michigan in 2009. Past articles in this series can be read online at record-eagle.com/newsmakers.

Traverse City -- The Bay Area Transportation Authority needed change.

The public bus system got Tom Menzel.

Menzel took over as BATA's executive director in April with plans to overhaul a two-county public bus system that's endured its share of financial struggles.

"He has exceeded our expectations," said Rob Bacigalupi, BATA board vice chairman. "He has a long list of things he wants to get done. I worry he has so many balls in the air."

One of Menzel's first priorities was to address BATA's growing budget deficit. The public transit authority operated at a $365,000 loss last year.

Through a reorganization effort, which included the elimination of four management positions, Menzel put a dent in the budget shortfall.

"We are on track to pay off that deficit by next year, which is way ahead of schedule," Bacigalupi said.

More changes are inevitable heading into 2010, Menzel said.

Menzel plans to continue discussions with local school districts, in hopes they can reach an agreement with BATA on student busing. Discussions with Traverse City Area Public Schools appear stagnant, but Suttons Bay Public Schools expressed interest, Menzel said.

Suttons Bay Public Schools have less than 1,000 students, which makes it easier for BATA to develop a business model.

"If there are mistakes, they would be smaller and easier to fix," he said.

Another Menzel priority was to improve communication within BATA and the community. The authority began publishing a quarterly newsletter, and Menzel organized meetings with employees to answer questions.

BATA also plans a communication audit to determine whether it has accomplished its goals.

One board member already sees improved lines of communication.

"He keeps the board informed step-by-step on what he's going to do," said Larry Fleis, BATA board chairman. "He's really proactive that way."

Fleis was at work Monday when Menzel called to tell him the BATA dispatch line was down. Menzel was in Arizona for the holidays, but wanted Fleis to inform other board members.

"That should never happen," Menzel said of the breakdown. " We should have a backup plan."

An alternate dispatch line was posted on BATA Web's site shortly afterward.

But situations like an interrupted dispatch line remind Menzel that his job is nowhere near complete.

"I'm just cleaning up the organization," he said.

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