A presentation on public transportation in Campbell County was given during Tuesday’s lunch meeting between the Town of Wright, the City of Gillette and the Campbell County Commissioners.
The Campbell County Transportation Coordination Team advocates for a coordinated plan that utilizes the transportation resources currently available in Campbell County. The group was made up of representatives from the Campbell County Senior Center, Wyoming Independent Living, Second Chance Ministries, Wright Community Assistance and City of Gillette senior planner Michael Surface. Together, they argue the county’s public transportation could function better by combining current resources.
When prodded by City of Gillette Councilman John Opseth whether or not the group was seeking government funding, the group responded by saying they were only seeking an endorsement, not funding.
“We put your weight behind us is what we do,” responds Surface. “That’s the whole purpose of the resolution.”
Surface became involved with the organization after this issue came up while he was talking with his supervisor, Dustin Hamilton, and City of Gillette administrator Carter Napier. “I volunteered my services, hence why I’m here today,” says Surface.
Surface continues, “My role is just to provide assistance to this group.”
Even still, the elected officials didn’t back any resolution of endorsement Tuesday. However, an endorsement will be prepared for later consideration by the three government entities.
According to the Campbell County Transportation Coordination Team, their 90-day strategic plan includes formally organizing, educating public officials about the need to coordinate transportation resources, identifying all public and private transportation providers, updating transportation provider guide, and meeting with all transportation providers.
Earlier this year, Gillette Express Transit System (GETS) made a presentation before the Gillette City Council regarding what they say is an identifiable need for a public transportation system in Gillette.
The Campbell County Transportation Coordination Team says their group differs from GETS because they are looking to coordinate efforts that are already underway, whereas GETS has a standalone plan for a fixed route system in Gillette. Nevertheless, the Campbell County Transportation Coordination Team commends GETS on the study GETS conducted in June 2010. The Campbell County Transportation Coordination Team says that study provided good information about the need for public transportation in the county.
GETS member Mary Kelley heard Tuesday’s presentation. Afterwards, Kelley says despite the differences between the two groups they are working towards a common goal.
“We all want to increase public transportation here in Gillette and Campbell County,” Kelley says.
At the same time, Kelley says if it were possible to coordinate all the buses in Campbell County that currently service specific groups, it would have been done already.
“We need to look more strongly at a public transportation system that would have small buses that would serve everyone’s needs,” says Kelley.
