CMRTA Proposes Major Cuts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) Officials with CMRTA held the first of three public hearings Tuesday night to discuss proposed cuts that could bring the transit system to a screeching halt. Larry Livingston, the operations manager for CMRTA calls it “a serious time.” Right now, the transit system is operating off of a budget that will require major cutbacks in order for the bus system to survive. Livingston says they have tossed around the idea of cutting back on mid-day service, eliminating service on holidays and on the weekend, changing routes and even stopping buses from running after 7 at night. If the proposed cuts do pass, officials say it could mean a 40 percent reduction to the bus system, that residents say leave them very few options for getting around. Officials are holding two more meetings this week and want to hear from you. Wednesday October 19th from 5:30 to 7:30pm officials will take comments at the Richland county Library at 1431 Assembly street. Saturday officials will hold a third and final hearing at the CMRTA Administration building located at 3613 Lucius Road in Columbia from 11am to 1pm. No date for a vote has been set.