Letters to the editor, Nov. 2, 2009

Major changes in bus program cause problems

In case there are those whom haven’t heard the latest news, the city council meeting for the decision on the changes to the Barstow Area Transit (BAT) has been put off for a later date. In spite of the fliers that are posted on every bus, Jason Shaw isn’t available to take your calls. You have to leave a message via his voicemail. But we think there are other ways to get a hold of him. E-mail your comments to him at jshaw@barstowca.org. If Shaw isn’t the kind to check his voicemail, then I’m sure he will check his e-mails.

At any rate, the changes will not occur until about after the first of the year. But in order for those changes to happen, there must be a vote. This is where you, the residents of Barstow, Yermo, Daggett, or wherever you do catch the bus. You are all invited to attend the meeting to give your opinion on whether you love it, hate it, or don’t really know what’s all the fuss about. The address is: City Hall 220 E. Mountain View St., Suite A Barstow, CA 92311. The new meeting date will be announced in the Desert Dispatch later on. But for those who don’t know what changes are being brought about to the Barstow Area Transit system, then let me be the first to give you all the information you need to know about it.  

Higher transit fares: The normal rate now is $1.10 for disabled, regular $2.20. If you’re anything like me, on SSI and your benefits have decreased by $5 again (bringing the debt Mr. Governor owes to $62. EACH!) you aren’t going to want to spend anymore than you have to, especially when the rent and bills need paying, and there’s the groceries and the kids that need clothes, shoes, and school supplies. You don’t want to think about spending more than you have to in this economy.

No more 10 ride passes: MV Transportation is doing away with the ten-ride passes. These were a steal at $7 each. Why do we want to get rid of something that is beneficial for all of us? Do we have to spend $30-$60 for monthly passes, well, every month? It sounds like someone is lining their pockets with cash like a child collecting candy on Halloween night.

Deviated fixed routes: What does this mean? It means that they are bringing fixed route buses to County East (Daggett and Yermo), County West (Hinkley), and County Newberry (self explanatory). Also, in spite of the fact that anyone with an ADA card may have less than a year to go, they are required to have themselves recertified again before card expires. New time: You will be required to call 24 hours in advance to make sure it is ready to pick you up. Also, give yourself some extra time to make sure you’re on time to make it to your destination. Absolutely no exceptions.

Amanda Stoican, Daggett