Other transportation, rec options more cost efficient

I observed in a recent issue of the Sun that Georgetown city staff have made recommendations to expand scheduled transportation options. This reminds me of a quote from Ronald Reagan, “The closest thing to eternal life on this planet is a government program.” The GoGeo bus system appears to be such a thing. After losing nearly $1.5 million in 2019-2021, the city decided to pull the plug. This loss was incurred due to minimal use.

In 2022, the city went to bus service only for handicapped riders. This service is not scheduled and is only designated pickup point to designated drop-off point, not home to destination. Could this service not be provided better and more cost effective by rideshare or a charity ride service?

Now staff want to expand the service to over 65 riders. We have been down this road before with little interest in its use. We do not need to experiment with a failed project just to check a box. Let’s think outside the box and first establish the levels of demand and then establish the most cost-effective way to provide for that limited demand.

On another subject, I see again there is a move to expand the Rec Center and to build yet an additional one in the community. I can again quote Ronald Reagan, “Here we go again.” Last I looked the city was losing about $500,000 per year on the operation of the Rec Center, not counting remodels. This subsidized service is being provided by all taxpayers to a small subset of the population. Is the purpose of government to provide subsidized recreation options to its citizens when these are being provided effectively by the private sector?

How about we get roads, police and fire service right first, or perhaps even reduce taxes?

A solution to this black hole of public funds could be a partnership with the YMCA. It would be to the benefit of taxpayers to lease the facility and let the YMCA assume the operating expenses. This would save the city operating costs.

JIMMY COFFMAN

River Walk Trail