PATS Prepares for New Year’s Riders

Prowers Area Transit will provide rides for New Year’s Eve partiers from 7pm to 2am on December 31^st this year.  Although the rides are free of charge, any donations will be welcome to defray expenses for the bus and drivers.  If you’re partying with a large group that evening, it’s advisable to make reservations at 336-8034 before the 31^st.

Darren Glover, Operations Director for PATS, discussed expenses for the annual service with the Prowers County Commissioners, “We usually need from $500 to $600 to cover our costs for the night and we’re carrying over around $150 from last year.”  The number of riders varies from 80 to 100 for the night, but the logistics of the service requires a driver and dispatcher back at the PATS headquarters at the SOS Center in Lamar.  Commissioner Joe Marble has stepped up to the plate the past few years, “I’m getting the hang of this, so I’ll be on hand for that night, if needed,” he told Glover.  The PATS director said business sponsorships are welcome for the transit service on New Year’s night.  Donations may be made to Prowers Area Transit, 407 East Olive Street in Lamar.

Design Contest for New Buses is Underway

Glover remarked that PATS will receive two new 12-passenger transit buses, paid for through CDOT grants.  PATS is planning a design contest for the new vehicles.  Contest rules and an outline of the bus can be accessed on the Prowers County website at www.prowerscounty.net.  Contestants have until December 15 to submit their designs by mail or in person as no emails or faxes will be accepted.  $50 sponsorships are available and the listed names of contributors will be posted on the front fenders or rear of the buses, depending on the number of sponsors.

By Russ Baldwin