City keeps taxi’s changed hours

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WILMINGTON — Wilmington Transit ridership has gone up after amending operating hours, said Director Tony Morris at Thursday’s city council meeting.

Wilmington Transit’s new hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Morris stated during a planned open discussion about the amended hours that the Ohio Department of Transportation had them on a four-month trial run to see whether there was a reduction in riders and cost savings.

“We have a 400 rider increase than we had last year,” said Morris.

Morris said he had heard complaints about the changes. One was made to Mayor John Stanforth’s office. The resident who uses the service said she doesn’t get off work until 9 p.m. Morris said that she had since gotten her schedule adjusted.

Councilman and Safety/Transportation Committee Chairman Joe Spicer said that he hadn’t heard any complaints, just concerns. Council President Randy Riley said a woman he knew adapted to the change.

“There is a lady who goes to our church who had concerns because she goes to Sunday school at 8:45 in the morning. Now I just pick her up on my way and it’s no problem,” said Riley.

During the Safety/Transportation Committee report, the council passed a resolution which would permanently change the transit system’s hours of operation.

A letter from Paul Hunter

During the mayor’s report, Tyler Williams read an open letter from local activist Paul Hunter to the voters of Wilmington.

“For over 25 years I’ve observed many versions of our city’s government. In my considered opinion, this team is the best of the bunch,” Williams read.

Among those that Hunter distinguished included Police Chief Duane Weyand, Parks Director Lori Williams, Safety/Service Director Brian Shidaker, and the Mayor’s Executive Assistant Marian Miller.

Hunter’s letter also gave praise to smooth creation of the 2017 budget, the mayor’s selection of staff members, and the leadership of city council.

Also at council:

• During the Streets Committee report, the first readings of two ordinances were held. The first would make Applegate Street a one-way street from Columbus Street to Rombach Avenue. The second would add two crosswalks at the intersection of Elm Street, College Street, and various no parking sections.

• The second reading of an ordinance requesting the director of public service to present an annual report of utility billing rates to the legislative authority was heard during the Judiciary Committee report.

Two resolutions also passed. One authorizes the director of public services to enter into an electricity purchase contract with Interstate Gas Supply. This regards receiving an energy cost discount for qualifying city account.

The second measure permits the existing tax abatements for Custom Molded Products, Ahresty Wilmington Corporation, and the Air Transport Services Group’s JUMP Hangar to continue, under advisement, for another year.

Tyler Williams reads an open letter from Wilmington resident and activist Paul Hunter.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/04/web1_DSC_0913-1.jpgTyler Williams reads an open letter from Wilmington resident and activist Paul Hunter.

City of Wilmington Transit Director Tony Morris speaks about the results of the newly amended transit hours.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/04/web1_DSC_0907-1.jpgCity of Wilmington Transit Director Tony Morris speaks about the results of the newly amended transit hours.
Weekday hours are 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

By John Hamilton

[email protected]

Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574.

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