Not so swift exit? – Officials scramble for funding to continue bus service

Maybe I spoke too soon, or maybe DOTD took the hint that it hadn’t left an appropriate window of time for local entities to come up with the money to continue funding the LA Swift bus service. Either way, DOTD announced it would extend the contract for the bus service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans for another month.

Read more about the announcement in this Business Report story.

Local officials in both cities have until July 31 to figure out a way to keep the bus operating, with a $750,000 annual match to federal funding. DOTD has already said any fee increase—a bus ticket is $5 one way—cannot be used toward the match.

New Orleans State Rep. Walt Leger III (no relation to me, as far as I know … there are a lot of us) spoke on the Jim Engster Show this morning about the scramble to come up with funding for the service.

“It’s become a real successful and important intercity bus system,” Leger said, noting that the mayors of both cities, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Center for Planning Excellence, the City of Kenner and other groups are all pitching in to find the cash and in-kind contributions.

As Leger noted, they all seem to recognize the service’s importance in helping create a “super region” that can compete with other metropolitan areas. Sounds positive!

Next Wednesday at 4 p.m., the Baton Rouge Metro-Council will discuss a resolution to show support for LA Swift and several concerned groups will be present. Find out more about the Metro-Council meeting here.

And the Change.org petition is still going strong, with nearly 900 supporters. Maybe the bus will keep running after all?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Should the LA Swift bus service stay or go?