Bullhead City officials announced that the Bullhead Area Transit System (BATS) will not operate on two upcoming holidays: Labor Day on September 1 and Columbus Day on October 13. City offices will be closed on these days, and residents are encouraged to plan their transportation needs accordingly.
During the recent BATS Commission meeting, staff highlighted the ongoing need for volunteers to support the senior transportation service, which has seen zero rides in recent months due to a lack of available volunteers. The city has participated in volunteer fairs to recruit help, and anyone interested can find applications on the city’s website. Volunteers typically assist one or two days a week, providing essential transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to volunteer opportunities, the transit system is currently hiring for several positions, including a full-time driver and an office specialist. The city is actively seeking individuals with a commercial driver's license and passenger endorsement to ensure uninterrupted service. Staff noted that while they have maintained staffing levels, turnover has created some challenges.
The meeting also touched on recent improvements in transit operations, including a more efficient bus route at the Safeway Shopping Center, which has received positive feedback from constituents. Furthermore, discussions included the potential installation of an indoor real-time bus tracking display system at the Transit Building, aimed at enhancing the experience for waiting passengers.
As the city continues to seek volunteers and staff, officials remain committed to providing reliable transit services to the community, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in maintaining these essential programs.