Despite having funding cuts from both cities and the Sweetwater County Commissioners, the Sweetwater County Transit Authority continues to report more riders utilizing the service.
Speaking to the Green River City Council Tuesday night, Judy Owens, director of STAR, said they provided 1,212 additional rides during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, bringing the total number of rides provided by the transit authority to 44,251 during the fiscal year. Of that number, 14,727 originated in Green River while 29,524 originated in Rock Springs.
“Every year, we pick up some riders,” Owens said.
Despite that increase, STAR has taken roughly $45,000 in cuts to funding used to match federal grant funding from the FTA. Rock Springs cut their support by 25 percent, while Green River and Sweetwater County cut their support by 10 percent respectively. Owens said STAR is trying to make the new funding amounts work and has not filled a position that opened up due to retirement.
She said STAR also cut its 6:30 a.m., and 6:30 p.m., rides from Green River to Rock Springs. Despite the cuts, Owens said she hears supportive comments from Council representatives and believes the funding cuts aren’t permanent, just a reflection of the local economy. She also believes the transit authority will survive despite the cuts.
“I’m sure STAR will be here,” Owens said.
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