$3 Million Deficit Threatens Transit System

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Officials with the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, CMRTA, admit they did not request enough funds from local government to keep transit buses running. That mathematical error, in addition to rising gas prices and declining ridership, have led to a $2.7 million shortfall, according to Board Treasurer, Charles Cook. As CMRTA announces it needs money, its most recent adviser, Derrick Huggins, Thursday unveiled suggestions for future costly improvements. CMRTA officials believe, however, they cannot begin discussing long-term upgrades without first figuring out how to keep transit buses running through 2012.