Free bus rides in Wheeling hit red light

There will be no free bus rides in Wheeling - at least not unless it can come at a cost lower than a quarter-million dollars.

The village board on Tuesday said spending that money to hire drivers for two buses that would run through town is just not feasible in the current economic climate.

The village has been working on the idea of a bus that runs through town in a loop for several years now. The idea is to have the free transportation for seniors and others who want to get to the senior center or shopping and for commuters who take the train into Wheeling.

The village received a federal grant through Pace for the two buses for the north and south sides of town; the village's responsibility lies in providing the fuel and the drivers.

Assistant Village Manager John Sfondilis laid out two plans that would either have the village itself hire those drivers or farm out that service to First Student. Either way, the costs are close to $280,000 a year with fuel and other expenses.

Most trustees agreed that is too high a cost when they are trying to cut back in the budget.

"I don't think we can justifiably say we're going to spend $300,000," Trustee Judy Abruscato said.

She pointed out that she hasn't seen many people on the buses that already go through town and Trustee Mike Horcher said the township does offer bus services by appointment for those who need them.

However, Trustee Kenneth Brady said while the cost is high, it's something the residents deserve.

"They're waiting for it; they're expecting it," he said.

Brady expressed his disappointment with the board for turning down a direct service to residents while approving, in the past, things like the Fourth of July celebration and furniture for the village hall.

Acting Village President Dean Argiris said his disappointment lies with the village staff, who he said should be able to come back with numbers that are lower.

The staff may return with another proposal if they find other alternatives to the cost.