Rising gas prices an issue for Columbiana Co.’s public transit agency

LISBON — Columbiana County’s public transit agency needs more money or cheaper gas prices to help make ends meet and serve its riders.

Community Action Rural Transit System officials presented that information today to the county commissioners in their 2007 report. The CARTS system is an arm of the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County.

While ridership went up, so did gas prices.

The agency spent $138,000 on gas in 2006, and $183,000 on gas in 2007.

That works out to a 16 percent increase in gas for 2006 and a 31 percent increase in 2007, according to CARTS.

In the first six months of 2008, the agency already has spent $128,000.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.