Lewiston CVTD riders say more people should stop driving, take the bus

By Davis Archibald

April 28, 2008 | LEWISTON -- Every morning Callan West gets up at 5:40, gets dressed and ready for work, says goodbye to his wife and two kids, and then walks out the door by 6:15.

But instead of jumping in his car for the 35 minute drive to the Thomas Edison Charter School in Nibley where he works, West just walks two blocks and hops on the Cache Valley Transit District (CVTD) bus.

"I'm just trying to save a few bucks," West says.

Like many in Cache county, West is riding the bus to save money he would have been spending on gas. According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, Utah's current average fuel price per gallon is $3.40. That is 50 cents more than a year ago at this time and is currently the highest recorded price to date.

Steve Pierson, also of Lewiston, cites the help riding the bus has given him in saving money.

"It's a financial issue for me," Pierson said.

Pierson is on the CVTD's board as a representative for Lewiston and said he is still learning about how the system works. Pierson said that no bus system is perfect but if you can find a way to make it work it can be an "awesome" resource.

According to Erin Van Dyke, the training administrator for the CVTD, the CVTD began 16 years ago as the Logan Transit District. At that time the buses only drove in Logan City and only on weekdays. There were six routes that first year, but since then the system has expanded countywide.

CVTD now has 11 city routes, two routes serving the county, and one route that runs through Lewiston and into Preston, Idaho.

Bus service for Lewiston began in April ,2007. In November 2007, voters in Lewiston were the only city to agree to a sales tax increase to continue service in the town.

According to Van Dyke, the bus that goes through Lewiston is part of a co-operation between the CVTD and the Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT). The CVTD pays for the Utah portion of the trip and the PRT pays for the Idaho part.

In fact, according to Van Dyke, the buses served over 1.7 million people in the county in 2007, which averages to be about 143,000 monthly. The bus serves an average of 15-20 passengers from the Lewiston area every day.

Marsha Rawlins, a retired resident of Lewiston, uses the bus a couple of times a week to run errands and go to doctor appointments. Rawlins said she rides the bus because it's a nice alternative to driving and it keeps her independent.

"My husband doesn't have to haul me everywhere," Rawlins said.

Rawlins considers the bus system a "god-send," especially for those who are disabled, either mentally or physically. She said she knows many who have greatly benefitted from the independence the bus provides.

West said he was originally apprehensive to ride the bus but found it to be easier than expected. Although it does take more time to get from one place to another for West, he says the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Riding the bus gives him time to read, carry on conversations, and generally not worry about the stresses of driving, West said.

Pierson agrees, saying that it is a great way of relieving his stress, especially during the winter months.

Rawlins also uses the time to read and carry on conversations but still reiterates the importance the bus plays in helping the passengers save money.

"People need to quit driving and take the bus," Rawlins said.

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