SEAT Hosts Local Officials for “Legislative Day”

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Local city officials attended “Legislative Day” at the Southeast Area Transit Authority this morning.

Mayor Jeff Tilton and Senator Troy Balderson were among other local politicians to visit the “SEAT” facility this morning to learn about their operation, address funding, and discuss improvements to the existing transit system in Southeastern Ohio.

“We decided here at seat to do our own legislative day and invite local politicians, the mayor, and the county commissioners as well as Senator Balderson to SEAT. And just share about rural transportation– how we operate, how are funding can be affected, and how it is utilized to provide services for the people in the community,” said SEAT Transit Director Howard Stewart.

Stewart says that someone can get from Walmart in South Zanesville, all the way to High Point and back for just $1 both ways. He explains there are not much more cost effective ways to get around, which is why they play such an important role in the community in allowing people to live their daily lives by getting wherever they may need to go.

Stewart also says while there are some changes he hopes to see in the future, there was one thing in particular that he wanted the local officials to walk away with this afternoon.

“Awareness. and awareness of how important it is, how we’re structured, how we need local match. We only get 50% of our funding to provide transportation, we only get 80% for our vehicles and for our preventative maintenance, and so how important it is, if you want a transit system in your community, to have that support,” he added. Stewart says that they truly do have the support of local officials and is appreciative of what they receive from all levels in the city of Zanesville.

Among the changes Stewart hopes to see is a new scheduling software. He explains the “Tiger Grant” — which is a state grant — would fund software that will improve their effectiveness and efficiency with improving scheduling, allow them to track data better, and overall, allow them to possibly hire more drivers and assist more riders.

For additional information regarding SEAT or their routes you can call (740)454-8574 or visit their website at www.seatbus.org.