Director Bethany Celmar told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on April 2 that medical leave of absences by a few drivers didn't stop Knox County Transit from having a strong March for ridership, with 6,014 trips made.
The report highlights the agency's ability to maintain service levels amid staffing challenges. Public transportation funding and operational restrictions were key topics discussed during the meeting.
"I think a lot of people don't understand, the end of the day, the avenue that you're playing in transportation, especially for public transportation, it all comes down to funding. And at the end of the day, funding dictates your world," Commissioner Barry Lester said, according to a video recording of the meeting.
Celmar said the transit agency needs to match the federal grant it receives dollar for dollar. It has to raise funds through contract revenue from community organizations, government entities or private entities—"anyone that has a vested interest in transportation," she said. The Federal Transit Administration wants 50% of the transit agency's money coming from local sources. Anything collected in fares for rides is deducted from the federal grant, adding to confusion. Celmar also said urban transit agencies are funded based on their population.
Celmar said she's holding off on hiring because she wants to know where they'll be with funding next year. She noted that allowable uses for federal grant funds add restrictions; for example, Knox County Transit is not allowed to buy bottled water for drivers out of that funding. Many restrictions were added because in the past money was used in ways that it shouldn't by different people at transit agencies
Medical appointments now present a challenge as there does not seem to be many grants or other funding available for medical institutions dedicated to transportation. Medical trips make up approximately 20% of Knox County Transit's trips.
Celmar also reported that five old vehicles were sold through an auction site and two new vehicles are on order. A recently totaled bus will require additional local funds beyond insurance and state contributions for replacement costs; she hopes this amount stays around $20,000.
