By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
Doug Pixler of the Potomac Valley Transit came before the Tucker County Commission to present an update on bus service in the County, as well as present a funding request of $5,000 for annual service in the County. The request was make during the Commission’s regular February 18th session.
The $5,000 funding request, Pixler said, was a standard annual amount paid by every county Potomac Valley Transit serves. Pixler described it as how the funding structure worked. Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau described it as Tucker County’s “skin in the game.”
“We have to, unfortunately,” Pixler said.
The funding request was approved unanimously by the three man body in a motion made by Tucker County Commission President Mike Rosenau.
“In order for them to continue operations in the county and part of our (obligation), same as all the other counties do, I make a motion to approve the $5,000,” Rosenau said.
Overall, Pixler said the service was going well. Currently busses are running on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesday shopping trips are to Oakland and Friday, the busses run to Elkins. Pixler said that the Elkins route has developed some regular riders, “which is good.”
There have also been a lot of medical runs, Pixler said. Many Tucker County residents have been utilizing the service for medical appointments.
Students in Thomas also utilized the service for ski trips every Tuesday, according to Pixler.
The service will be getting more vehicles and dedicating some specifically to Tucker County, Pixler said. However, the biggest obstacle for the company, is a lack of drivers. Pixler said the company is in dire need of both CDL and nonCDL drivers.
“Our biggest obstacle right now, for everybody, is finding people to work,” Pixler said. “It is tough.”
Pixler said his company continues to look for drivers. If interested in applying for a driver position, contact Potomac Valley Transit located at Potomac Valley Transit Authority, 185 Providence Lane, Petersburg, WV 26847 or call 304-257-1414 for more information.