Public Bus Budget Woes Continue

COLUMBIA, S.C (WOLO) — Local officials scramble to identify a permanent funding source for ailing public transit system. A board member of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, CMRTA, is requesting an independent audit of the organization’s finances to help determine how and when an estimated $2.7 million budget shortfall originated. Bob Liming, says the funding issue for CMRTA, which he believes has been ongoing for a decade, will not be permanently resolved until what he calls ‘tough decisions’ are made. If a permanent source of funding is not obtained, nearly 50 people could lose their jobs and transit services could be cut 40 to 60%.