CAT focuses on establishing new routes, system re-design (Savannah, Wilmington Island: taxes, restaurants)

[Airforceguy]

It would be nice to see CAT expand into the western portion of the county.

CEO Curtis Koleber says that workshops started six months ago, focusing on the need to adjust because of a decline in ridership. He says it's something agencies from all over are having to do. With Tuesday's decision, the planning process can now begin.

"Historically, our routes have been the same for decades," said Curtis Koleber, CAT CEO & Executive Director. "And so we're looking at trying to shift our routes where the population is and be more efficient."

When it comes to Port Wentworth, Koleber tells us residents and companies are asking for CAT service.

CAT focuses on establishing new routes, system re-design - WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports

[TheDarkKnight]

Unfortunately for CAT there's too much stigma in riding a bus around town.

Not counting on it but it'd be great to see light rail in Savannah in my lifetime. Maybe when I run for office I'll push hard for it. But by then Pooler will be overdeveloped and the bubble will have busted.

[843904]

"And so we're looking at trying to shift our routes where the population is and be more efficient."

Translation: We need to be able to tax more non-riders.

[SavannahLife]

843, hypothetical question - would prefer uninsured/underinsured cars next to you on the interstate, or the same drivers, riding the bus? And since it is more expensive per mile per rider to subsidize cars, vs buses, does that have any bearing on your support for the bus system?

Stigma, Only from people that have never actually been on the bus lol. Kind of comical. Not from other riders. Some people are delicate I guess. Haven't seen that elsewhere. Weird while amusing.

[843904]

^Question is irrelevant. People will always drive, insured or not. As CAT doesn't offer service via Interstate, your query is even more pointless.

Design the routes to go to where the riders are, not to areas that have no need for the service (and yes, those are the affluent areas). There is absolutely no need to run CAT out to Wilmington Island (which is evidence that CAT is more about a tax grab than providing a service).

[SavannahLife]

I get your point conceptually. Rich people don't need the bus. Let me ask you a few more things then. Rich areas have restaurants and service industry right? Service workers fill roads. Roads are more expensive than buses. Buses don't go on interstates because US highways go the same direction. So why not have at least a few routes? Smartly planned, yes of course.

Regarding taxes, Pooler residents benefit from city and county services and events. Even transit. CAT provides paratransit across the county while not getting money from Pooler as part of the transit district. Pooler has been asking the county and city to pay for work on canals after Pooler paved a lot of area and routes more water to its neighbors. I believe they should fund some of the work themselves. They're kinda that friend who's like "it's your turn to pay for dinner" every time! Now, I'm fine with Pooler deciding to do whatever it wants for things that only affect its area. Transit helps residents and businesses across the community though. If employers participated in reduced transit fare it could encourage usage. People will do what is incentivized. Heck somehow net tax savings from less roadwork and maybe everyone wins. Except Bridge Building LLC. Can I get a buyin on that from a conservative point?

With rail, Pooler blocked the bus system from their city. Since Pooler has opted for automobile-only development, and Pooler-style development will continue to consume the rest of the county likely, leaving the likelihood of light rail as not likely unfortunately. Anyway thoughts like "criminals will steal my 70" tv and get away on the bus" and "CAT stealing my boat money" is how we get sprawl like Pooler.