Freedom Transit survives into 2014

(Gettysburg) — Freedom Transit, nearly twice as popular as the average rural public transportation system in the U-S, will run until at least June 30th.

It had been scheduled to shut down at the end of 2013 because of a shortfall in local funds.

But a number of businesses, individuals and the National Parks Service reportedly pledged money at a meeting late in December 20-13.

Richard Farr is the Executive Director of Rabbit Transit in York, which runs Gettysburg’s Freedom Transit.

He says the next issue is sustainability.

“That’s a concern because obviously it hasn’t been identified yet, but there are some really capable individuals who are steering this committee, and I feel very confident they’ll find a solution to our problem.”

About $65,000 was required to unlock all federal and state matching funds – about $1 million dollars.

When asked about the how leaders who see the value of public transportation but don’t provide the money, Farr responds:

“I think that’s certainly a sign of the times everywhere. Everyone’s budgets are very tight, everyone’s making choices, and every community is different.”

Farr says they’ll set a June deadline to secure future commitments of funding, to try to establish a stable system.