For a while now, we have been hearing about the possible elimination of Clayton County's C-TRAN, well, the time has come and the County's contract with MARTA to run its public transportation system, is about to be terminated on March 31, 2010, leaving 60% or more of its riders with no transportation. Residents attended the Board of Commissioner's meeting on March 16th to express their concerns.
Yusef Poole, Staff Attorney for Clayton County, said the elimination of C-TRAN would help save the County money and that County revenues are down 19 million dollars compared to last fiscal year.

A request for a Federal grant funding for three vans to transport the disabled after the elimination of the C-TRAN, was approved by the Commission, although Chairman Eldrin Bell said he did not know whether the grant being sought could actually be used for paratransit.

Around 30% of C-TRAN passengers will now use Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) Xpress buses. GRTA currently with three express buses in Clayton County and expects 3,000 former C-TRAN riders to begin using those buses after March 31, according to the Clayton News Daily newspaper.

However, everyone else will be without a way to get to work, medical appointments, the grocery store, or just about anywhere not within walking distance. That could potentially create major issues with their residents no being able to keep their jobs, then, what's next. How can a County overcome an economic crisis when their main source of public transportation is being eliminated.

It will be intesting to see what effects this will create. As we hear more updates, let's share with one another...