Published: May 07, 2009 01:47 pm      

Good timing — 05/08/09

Service expands as prices rise

With gasoline prices suddenly increasing to well above $2 per gallon, the timing was perfect for the expansion of bus services in rural Carter County.

The Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency, based in Olive Hill, began Monday, May 4, to offer expanded bus service between Olive Hill, Grayson, Morehead and Ashland. Fares range from $4 to $6.

The new routes — which run Monday through Friday — are designed to improve access to shopping, health care and other amenities. Since many Carter County residents go to St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead or Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital or King’s Daughter Medical Center in Ashland for their medical needs, the bus routes provide them with another option for getting to and from appointments. Ashland and, to a lesser degree, Morehead also offer more shopping choices than either Grayson or Olive Hill.

NKCAA Transportation Director Cathy Bear said the expanded service is a pilot program the agency eventually hopes to expand to its five-county region.

Area residents likely will determine the future of the expanded route. If not enough residents ride the buses to even cover the cost of the fuel to operate them, the service could soon be discontinued. If, on the other hand, the pilot program takes off and attracts many riders, it likely will be expanded.

While a Louisville company is at least considering restoring in-city bus service throughout the state, for now the NKCAA is the only bus service available in Morehead, Olive Hill and Grayson. That alone should make it a valued service.