ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 16, 1996 TAG: 9607160028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: ELISSA MILENKY STAFF WRITER
Private consultants will be looking at everything from management and hiring practices to funding sources and equipment at Blackburg Transit starting this month.
The review, which will continue through the fall, will help town officials prepare a three-year operating plan for the bus system.
Town Manager Ron Secrist said the 13-year-old Blacksburg Transit has seen tremendous growth and change during the last few years and a closer look at the entire system is needed.
"The bottom line is to have a blueprint, or a strategy for operations of Blacksburg Transit for the next three years," he said.
Although the town operates Blacksburg Transit, no local tax money is used. Virginia Tech gives the transit system about $1 million that is derived from student fees. Another $1 million is obtained through state and federal grant money.
During the early 1980s, Secrist said, the university found a bus system within the town was necessary because it had decided not to build more on-campus housing. Tech turned to the town, which could obtain government grants.
The consultants, who work for Delaware-based Rusten Associates, at first will focus on team-building activities. They also will look at long-term issues facing the transit system, specifically the possibility that state and federal funding may be cut during the next few years.
Some of the consultants' work will deal with morale issues. During the last few months, several Blacksburg Transit drivers have voiced concerns about pay and management practices during Town Council meetings.
"We have too much responsibility for what we're being paid," said one driver during a recent council meeting.
Pay for transit drivers will be increased if minimum-wage legislation is signed by President Clinton.
Secrist said the part-time bus driving jobs were designed for students, which equals a high level of turnover and pay that doesn't rise much above minimum wage. Nonstudents are being hired for the part-time jobs, however.
Alternatives to the hiring practices, such as making the jobs full time or again hiring students, will be examined by the consultants. It is possible no changes will be made.
Several years ago, transit managers from other university communities were brought in to make changes within Blacksburg Transit. This is the first time the town has hired outside consultants.
"All alternatives need to be looked at and evaluated," Secrist said.
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