Paul Clinton
CIVIC CENTER -- Burbank kids will be able to shuttle around the city
free of charge for at least six more weeks following the City Council's
approval of an extension for Got Wheels!
Despite concerns about about low ridership in the six-day-a-week youth
transportation program, the council voted 4-0 at its Dec. 21 meeting --
with Mayor Stacey Murphy abstaining -- to extend the city's contract with
San Gabriel Transit.
"I see those shuttles going around the city," Councilman Bob Kramer
said. "Almost every time I look, there's nobody on board."
Burbank will pay San Gabriel Transit $24,600 to keep the shuttle
service going until Feb. 12.
Started this summer, Got Wheels! now provides free transportation for
children during after-school hours so they can get around while their
parents are working. Stops include parks, libraries, schools and the
Media City Center.
City Manager Bud Ovrom said the city will undertake a thorough review
of Got Wheels! in order to help the council find ways to boost ridership
in the program.
That analysis is scheduled to be presented at the Jan. 11 meeting,
when the council will decide whether to continue the program beyond Feb.
12.
The City Council approved $100,000 for the program in June as part of
the 1999-2000 city budget. With about half of that amount left over after
the summer, the council agreed to extend the program into the school
year.
The Got Wheels! buses provide free rides to children ages 10 to 18
Monday to Saturday. The buses run from 2:15 to 7:15 p.m. on weekdays and
from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
