All Aboard The Party Bus

Charlevoix County Transit System - A Tour Agency?

What has become of public transportation in Charlevoix County, and why has the focus changed from on-demand bus service for county residents to tour agency  that also provides some public transportation?

On December 14, 2016, I found the following listed on the county transit Facebook page:

"Tour Agency in Boyne City, Michigan"

The concerns raised herein focus on the goals and practices of Charlevoix County government in general and Charlevoix County Transit System in particular, and include the following questions about focus, community service, county government guidance, and funding obligations. 

·       Why would Charlevoix County Transit System, a department of county government, become a tour agency?

·       Does this reflect the best interests of county residents?

·       Should county transit be used as a tourist attraction over the needs of county residents?

·       Shouldn’t public transit be considered an essential service?

·       Does acting as a tourist attraction comply with all FTA and MDOT funding regulations?

·       Was the decision to change focus from public transportation to tour agency approved by the Charlevoix County Board of Commissioners?

·       Was the general public notified of the change in advance of implementation?

·       As there is a serious lack of medical options in Charlevoix County, why would the transit department deny service to residents for needed medical appointments in neighboring counties; service that was recently seen as normal operations?

·       As there is a lack of retail options in Charlevoix County, shouldn’t county transit provide bus service to major retailers in neighboring counties as was the norm in the recent past?

·       How does the current focus of Charlevoix County Transit System assist in improving the quality of life for senior and/or disabled county residents and others without personal transportation?