Residents of Washington will continue to have free public transportation for the foreseeable future.
At Monday’s meeting the City Council examined the success of the “No Fares” Policy for the City Bus inaugurated last May. During the trial period which ran through Labor Day, the City Transit System says there was was a 60 to 70 percent jump in ridership. Municipal Transit consultant Chuck Martindale told the Council members that by charging fares, the City was being forced to give back between $5,000 and $6,000 per year in State and Federal assistance. Mayor Wellman says State and Federal subsidies will help support bus service
In other action, prior to the council meeting, Mayor Wellman presented City Employee Tim Emmons with a certificate recognizing his outstanding character and kindness in dealing with the city’s residents. And Park Superintendent Kip Kelly thanked the Knights of Columbus for purchasing security cameras for Longfellow Park.