Community discusses potential public transportation system – Greenville Advocate

On Friday, Mar. 22, representatives from Butler County Concern Citizens and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) held a round-table discussion with community members about the feasibility of a public transportation system in Butler County. After a presentation outlining funding and logistics, officials opened the floor to questions from attendees.

“This is, to me, one of the most important issues facing Greenville and Butler County,” said Concern Citizens Chairman Kenneth Crum. “We have today with us the Alabama Department of Transportation, who have taken their time to come and give us information as well as ideas on how public transportation could work in Greenville and Butler County.”

Brad Lindsey, Bureau Chief of ALDOT’s Local Transportation Bureau and Randy Stroup, a former state employee, explained that rural public transportation falls under the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5311 program. The program is designed to enhance mobility, promote well-being, and improve the quality of life for rural residents, however, Lindsey noted that Alabama does not currently allocate state funds for public transportation.

“The government of Alabama designated the Alabama Department of Transportation as the recipient of FTA funds,” Lindsey said. “The federal share is 80% for capital projects, 50% for operating assistance and 80% for administrative assistance, with local government matching the remainder.” 

According to Stroup, public transportation is seen as a crucial service for economic growth and accessibility, particularly for those without reliable transportation. The officials highlighted that Butler County falls into the category of 21% to 30% of people living below the poverty level, with 6% to 9% of households lacking a vehicle.

“Rural public transportation allows people to access shopping, transportation to work and transportation to medical appointments,” Stroup said. “It just meets some of those needs in the community that are not met or that are difficult because of some of the transitions that we face in life.”

According to ALDOT, 30 transportation providers currently serve 53 of Alabama’s 67 counties. Butler County is among the areas without a system in place. Nearby counties, including Lowndes, Wilcox and Monroe, have established rural transit programs that could serve as models if Butler County chooses to move forward.

The presentation also discussed the economic benefits of public transit, citing a study from the American Public Transportation Association, which found that every $1 invested in public transportation yields a $4 return.

“When we talk about work and especially when people are trying to transition from (receiving) assistance to working, the last thing that they have generally is reliable transportation,” Stroup said. “Industry leaders and plant owners often say that it’s a vicious cycle. They hire somebody, but the person doesn’t have a car, so they get their friend and they’re going to take them to work. Well, after a week, maybe two weeks, that gets a little old. And so now the person’s coming in late to work. Well, what’s going to get you terminated quicker than anything? Not showing up on time to work. So, that’s one of the places where public transportation fills those needs, because public transportation is reliable.”

Another key issue discussed was the aging population in Butler County, where 21.4% of residents are over the age of 65, compared to the state average of 18.2%. According to Stroup, many older residents struggle with transportation, especially for medical appointments.

“The commute here in Butler County, with it being so rural, the commute to work is 24.4 minutes on average and that’s significant,” Stroup noted. “Especially if it’s somebody that is just starting work and they’re having to rely on somebody else to get them to and from.”

Moving forward, local officials will need to decide whether to pursue a rural transit program. If implemented, ALDOT offers support through the Rural Transit Assistance Program, which provides federal funds for training and operational assistance.