Next Stop; 2011
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Posted: 6:47 PM May 14, 2008
Next Stop; 2011
WTAP News
It looks like the Mid Ohio Valley Transit System is funded for another 2 years, after voters passed the levy by 75%.
Reporter: Allison Rhea
Email Address: allison.rhea@wtap.com
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It was only a few years ago that the levy missed the mark, just barely. That time it was a five year levy and needed a 60% vote to pass, but only got 59%.

"We came back and resubmitted it, with our standard two year and it passed easily then," says Manager of MOV Transit System, Joe Lockhart.

This time around, voters in Parkersburg and Vienna passed it by 75%, a number that Wood County Clerk, Jamie Six, says the city should be proud of.

"Obviously, not 75% percent of the community rides the bus, but 75% of voters feel we should have a bus system, so I think that's quite a statement for the system," says Six.

Whether the voters are actually riding the bus or not, Lockhart says people are looking for an alternate route because of the money they need to spend elsewhere.

"We've been doing this since 1983, every two years there's been a vote. This year, of course, with the pressure from the gas prices, it seems like people might be a little more interested in making sure the bus continues to run," says Lockhart.

Now they'll continue to run, this time with some GPS upgrades.

"People will be able to find out where their bus is and when it will arrive through their cell phone. They can call a certain number and a text message will be sent to them telling them how many minutes until the bus arrives," says Lockhart.

New technology and a new levy, now Lockhart doesn't have to worry till 2011.

For now, the bus will continue to make it's routes, providing the people of Parkersburg and Vienna a cheaper way to get around.


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