Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Valley residents concerned about local transit service attended the October 27 Kern Regional Transit meeting. Linda Wilbanks a transit planner with the county facilitated the informal meeting.

The three main issues on the minds of meeting attendees were having changes made to the existing bus schedule, provision of benches and bus shelters for riders who must wait for lengthy periods and the creation of a “shuttle bus” that would provide regular service along the boulevard in Lake Isabella.

Linda Wilbanks a Kern County Transit Planner, left speaks with Phyllis Brewer, about a potential shuttle bus service in Lake Isabella.

Wilbanks, who encouraged open dialogue with those present at the meeting explained to the small gathering that Tuesday’s meeting was one of 16 which are being held in various communities throughout the county. The meetings are an integral part of the “Unmet Needs Process” which takes place annually. She provided an overview about Kern Regional Transit which plans, coordinates, and administers the public transit system that serves communities throughout the valley.

Terri Gallion of Onyx questioned Wilbanks about the possibility of changing the valley schedule back to one that was used several years ago. Wilbanks was quick to acknowledge that the existing schedule was less than ideal and stated, “The schedule is a priority. I want to follow the letter of the law, but at the same time, I want to make it a better schedule for the people who use it.” She added that she was certainly open to re-examining it and making changes if appropriate.

With regards to the construction of shelters, Gallion stated, “We have a larger than average population of seniors, disabled and parents with young children traveling the local bus system. They are particularly vulnerable to the elements.”

Phyllis Brewer of Weldon has been writing letters, circulating petitions all in hopes of garnering public support from other local who also believe that a shuttle service in Lake Isabella would greatly improve their quality of life.

Brewer stated, “Many fellow riders have indicated that they would readily use such a service because it would make it much easier to visit municipal buildings, the library, doctors, banks, grocery and hardware stores as well as the thrift shops, and other business that are located right off of Lake Isabella Boulevard.”

A suggestion came from the floor regarding a possible one year pilot program for the proposed shuttle bus. Wilbanks stated that such a project might be more likely to get a green light from the County Board of Supervisors. Wilbanks did clarify that the basis for determining any new service is to decide whether it is likely to offer Kern Regional Transit a 10 percent return on the fare box, the minimum that is required.

In summation, Wilbanks stated that she would act on the suggestions that were made at the Lake Isabella meeting, but she was also clear that she could make no promises.

For additional information, visit www.roads@co.kern.ca.us or call 1-800-552-5376.