Fluvanna County supervisors cut all funding for JAUNT, the regional transportation system.
In a statement issued Thursday, JAUNT's executive director says this is a devastating decision at a time when ridership is on the rise. She says while cuts were expected, no one expected an elimination of support.
This would also lead to no federal funds coming in for JAUNT in Fluvanna County, which could mean an end to services there on June 30.
Fluvanna County
Press Release
AS OF JULY 1, 2012 JAUNT WILL NO LONGER BE PROVIDING SERVICE IN FLUVANNA COUNTY.
Last night the Fluvanna Board of Supervisors cut all of JAUNT's funding from the FY12 budget impacting seniors, children, commuters and residents across the county.
"This news is devastating. Overall we had a 10% increase in ridership last year providing more than 21,000 trips to Fluvanna residents. Transportation links people to resources in their community. It means that a commuter can get to work, a senior can attend an important program, and a child can participate in afterschool activities. This is going to have a very negative impact on our passengers." said Donna Shaunesey, Executive Director. "We have been present in Fluvanna since the early eighties. Given the current economic climate we certainly anticipated a cut but not to be eliminated completely."
JAUNT Inc. is a regional transportation system providing service to the citizens of Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties. The sixty-four vehicle fleet carries the general public, agency clients, senior citizens and people with disabilities throughout Central Virginia. Organized in 1975, JAUNT maintains an exemplary record of safety, cost efficiency, and high quality service, and is recognized both statewide and nationally for its performance record.
