BY KEITH BENMAN, Times of Northwest Indiana
kbenman@nwitimes.com
Mayors of LaPorte County's two largest cities are hopeful legislation proposed by State Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, might open the way to joining the Northwest Indiana Regional Bus Authority.
The RBA now comprises only Lake and Porter counties, but adding LaPorte County could benefit everyone, according to LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris.
"We are hoping LaPorte County can join the RBA and we can work on a truly regional bus system," Morris said Thursday.
The bill also leaves the door open to Michigan City or the city of LaPorte joining the RBA individually, without county involvement.
Bus routes could span the county line if LaPorte County or its two largest cities join the RBA, said RBA Project Director Ken Dallmeyer.
There is potential ridership for a route from Valparaiso to Purdue North Central on U.S. 421, south of Michigan City, Dallmeyer said. There is potential for another route from Pine Township to Michigan City.
Morris and Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie are ex-officio, nonvoting members of the RBA.
Both have been solid contributors to the regional bus effort, and the RBA would welcome both cities joining, according to RBA Chairman Dennis Rittenmeyer.
"Sometimes it's very difficult for political leaders to think regionally, because by nature their constituency is parochial," Rittenmeyer said.
Morris said it is a given that LaPorte County or the cities would have to contribute financially to the RBA, if they want to join. At the same time, RBA resources could help prop up the two cities' struggling bus systems.
"It can't just be a free ride," Morris said.
Five months ago, LaPorte County officials rejected joining the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, which is expected to contribute funding to the regional bus system in Lake and Porter counties.
A major stumbling block was the $3.5 million annual membership fee for joining the RDA.
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