Cities, counties and state need to support public transportation

Oct. 26—In a region of the state that is largely rural and remote, serving a population that is older than most and poorer, too, it seems only right that our county, city and state governments come to the aid of the New River Transit Authority (NRTA).

The NRTA, which expanded bus routes around the area this past year, is having a more difficult time covering operating expenses with increased costs of new vehicles thanks to inflation this past year and — unfortunately enough — a loss of toll credit funds from the state's Department of Transportation that are now being redirected to state road projects.

Andy Austin, the director of NRTA, told Raleigh County commissioners at a recent meeting that bus purchases increased by 62 percent in the last year.

"That's a heavy lift," Austin said. "We had plans on purchasing seven buses at one point, but we had to scale that back down" because of the increase.

The NRTA receives local funds from the municipalities in Beckley, Sophia, Oak Hill, Mount Hope and Fayetteville, as well as the Raleigh and Fayette county commissions. Austin said the NRTA is contacting all these local governments and requesting additional funds.

Our state legislators ought to take note, too, and have a word or two with the state's transportation department. Seems as though there should be plenty of funds available for road projects via the Roads to Prosperity that Gov. Jim Justice likes to call his own. The bonding program, passed by a healthy majority of West Virginia voters, was sold as a means to generate approximately $2.8 billion for highway and bridge construction and maintenance all across the state. But now we're in such tough shape with those billions that we have to deny toll credits to useful public transportation like the NRTA?

That's a big thumbs down.

We need more leaders like Beckley Mayor Rob Rappold, who enthusiastically supported the NRTA request of the city. Not only is it vital to any plans the city has for economic development, as the mayor said, but the bus service provides mobility and accessibility to essential employment opportunities, goods, and services for older adults, those with disabilities, and low-income persons.

Besides, for a state Legislature and governor who like throwing our tax dollars and generous tax breaks at heavy industry and old and ailing coal-fired plants, a small piece of change — toll credits, for goodness' sakes — would seem like an easy lift.

By J. Damon Cain, editor of The Register-Herald — Thumbs up to the Bridge Day Commission, the staff of the New River Gorge CVB/Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, and the hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement officials, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve employees, shuttle bus operators and the Fayette County Board of Education, BASE and rappel coordinator teams, first responders including the river rescue teams and the Fayette County Vertical Rescue Team, organizers of Taste of Bridge Day and the Active Southern West Virginia 5K and all those who worked behind the scenes to make Bridge Day 2023, the 44th observance, a day filled with revelry.

The Bridge Day celebration has more moving parts than can be imagined, and the trio from the CVB/Chamber — Bridge Day Chair Becky Sullivan, Tim Naylor and Megan Weatherford — somehow keep them all going in one direction, and enticing visitors from around the world to experience all the area has to offer.

The smiles and laughter were apparent Saturday as old friends met up for a traditional Bridge Day visit and new friends connected because of similar interests.

Although a poor weather forecast kept the crowd numbers down, those who attended were treated to a typically lovely fall day in Fayette County.

Sullivan said Jan-Care Ambulance's post-event report featured seven medical issues, including a smattering of extremity injuries, two chest pain incidents and a case of dehydration, some which occurred on the top of the bridge. Four individuals were transported to the hospital.

And, she said that Fayette County Board of Education representatives reported all spectators were off the bridge by 4:15 p.m.

Sullivan also said approximately 700 BASE jumps were completed, 137 rode the high line, there were 646 rappels, and 244 people participated in BridgeWalk. Also, there were 80 pick-ups by river rescue boat crews.

And through it all, West Virginia and Fayette County showed off the best we have to offer: magical scenery, outdoor adventures, and, most especially, friendly, welcoming people.

Congratulations to everyone who helped pull off another successful Bridge Day.

By Cheryl Kennan of the Fayette County Tribune for The Register-Herald