LAKE COUNTY ? The Lake Transit Authority (LTA) is applying for a grant to fund a possible bus connection between Lake County and the I-5 Corridor.
At its Wednesday, March 4, meeting, the Lake County/City Area Planning Council (APC) voted to support an application by the LTA to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Transit Manager Mark Wall noted that Aero Shuttle no longer provides service to the Sacramento airport and that Caltrans asked the LTA to consider providing some type of service to the I-5 corridor. One of the options Wall discussed with Caltrans was a service that would link Lake Transit routes to Greyhound and that would be fully funded by grant funds.
APC director Jeff Smith asked if LTA could partner with Aero Shuttle to provide the I-5 connection; Wall stated he didn”t think the grant that Aero Shuttle received was successful for the shuttle company.
The grant only covers a subsidy of the costs, so a private company is not able to realize a profit. Wall added that Aero Shuttle would need a bus that was equipped with a wheelchair lift.
Wall added, he is considering instituting a Greyhound ticket program, which would allow LTA to sell tickets for Greyhound.
Ticket sales would generate revenues for LTA.
APC directors voted 7-2 in favor of supporting LTA in its grant application. APC director Ed Robey asked if this vote would mean commitment to a specific fixed route of service but Wall said “no,” the vote just allows for LTA to apply for a grant.
Complete minutes and agendas for LTA and APC can be viewed at www.lakeapc.org/.
