Forum: BATA is government waste

Election 2011

October 29, 2011

By John O'Brien The Record Eagle Mon Oct 31, 2011, 06:46 AM EDT

Am I the only one frustrated over the Bay Area Transportation Authority asking for a millage renewal? Clearly, without government subsidies BATA couldn't function, which is, in part, why our federal government is more than $14 trillion in debt.

Please know I sincerely believe that most folks utilizing BATA truly need transportation options. My beef is in no way directed toward them. My continued exasperation is the incredible waste watching BATA buses (20 or more seats) continuously driving up and down our roads with as few as one, two, three and even no riders.

To reach any level of economical success, BATA must develop a comprehensive logistical program that reduces the overall cost of transportation for the very few who ride their buses. BATA's leadership ... continues to operate a program modeled after a major metropolitan transit system.

More than 40 new buses, at a cost of over $80,000 each, have been purchased within the last several months and another 19 are on their way (another $1.5 million). That's more than $4.5 million. At an average of seven to nine miles per gallon, what do you think their annual fuel spend is? How about insurance, wages, facilities and maintenance?

Now calculate the number of riders and their contributions. What is the average cost to move a single person on BATA? What do you, the taxpayer, contribute for a transit program that isn't used by most people in our region because it doesn't meet their needs?

BATA is asking for a millage renewal and nobody is holding them accountable for their spending or asking hard questions as to why or how costs are evaluated and improved. Where is the data needed to evaluate and justify this millage proposal? Why didn't someone hold BATA accountable for millions spent on the grossly underutilized Hall Street facility?

Could the private industry provide a more effective service at a cost well below the millions spent by BATA? Why can't we pre-qualify riders (disabled, unemployed, welfare recipients, etc) needing transportation with a government style "Bridge Card"?

Have the rider pre-purchase a card at a reduced "pre qualified" rate and present the card to a transport company (taxis, etc) when, and only when, the service is provided. The company would then submit an invoice to the same sources that currently provide funds to BATA for the balance of the actual cost of transportation.

For those who don't qualify for the government-subsidized bus pass, an equitable fee (more in line with the cost of the service) would be charged. By using smaller vehicles, creating a logistical approach to scheduling and transporting and by reducing the number of empty seats being driven down the roads, millions of dollars could be saved.

If BATA were held to this standard you and I would not be facing another $2.3 million millage proposal. Vote "no" on this millage. Responsibility for our national and state debt starts right here at home.

About the author: John O'Brien is the owner of Celtic Transport Logistics, a Traverse City-based shuttle service that provides a variety of shuttle services, including winery tours, party groups, airport and taxi shuttles. He worked as director of transportation for a large Portland, Ore.-based chemical distributor.

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