Letters: Readers sound off on stimulus buses

$374k for transit buses is insane

Dear Editor,

I cannot believe that COG is considering blowing $374k on transit buses because there are no “eligible shovel ready” projects available. For one, just observe the condition some Hollister streets that need urgent repair. I understand there is a 180-day time limit to have a project ready to go.  

Regarding buying new buses, from my observations for quite some time at all hours of the day, I have never seen more than ONE passenger in these buses. To justify buying new buses, COG should first research passenger usage. What COG should really consider is selling the “oversized” expensive to operate buses now in use, and downsize to smaller Vans. And buy these new vans from LOCAL car dealers. The cost of smaller vans would probably be offset from the sale of the expensive oversized buses now in use. A win-win situation.

Ny Brooks, Hollister

Reader analyzes bus ridership

Dear Editor,

The San Benito Council of Governments (COG) is preparing to buy two new busses. Price is $34,000. 

COG cut back the schedule for the County Express February 1. An unscientific survey late Friday afternoons reveled the following: Before schedule change, six passengers in four busses in one hour. After schedule change, 10 passengers in nine busses during the same hour. 

At least the 38-passenger busses do not often come by anymore.The (assumed) 20-passenger busses only have 18 or 19 empts seats, not the 36 or 37 empty seats. 

With 1 in 7 workers unemployed, COG could certainly do better than thinking of new bus schedules or raising traffic impact fees. 

Marvin L. Jones, Hollister

Funds for buses a ‘waste’

Dear Editor,

I fell the use of stimulus money is a complete waste of money. I notice these buses driving around with only one or two passengers. Use the money on roads or bridges. Get rid of the folks who are trying to force us out of our cars and on to the buses.

Hugh Kizer, Hollister

Reduce ag water subsidies

Dear Editor;

In 1986, Marc Reisner wrote “Cadillac Desert”. He sxplained that 80 percent of California water is used by agriculture, and half of that is used to grow low value crops like cotton, rice and animal feed. These crops could easily be grown in areas of high rainfall. This would free up 40 percent of California water to keep our reservoirs full.

The easiest way to accomplish this would be to reduce agricultural water subsidies. This has been resisted vigorously by growers of both high and low value crops. Perhaps it is time for the growers of high value crops to consider a smaller profit margin in good years in order to avoid going out of business in times like these.

Robert Gilchrist Huenemann, Hollister

Thanks for view on homeless shelter

Dear Editor,

Thank you Free Lance Editorial Board for your words of support regarding the Southside road project.

Indeed it’s almost “too good to be true” to have such an unused opportunity that could not only be a great community, volunteer-based project but also provide for a vital community need.

David Huboi, Hollister