The Transit Action for Southern Humboldt (TASH) group met at the Healy Senior Center on Wednesday to discuss the new Southern Humboldt bus system, set to go into effect in January.

The addition of a paratransit bus for the area’s seniors and disabled has satisfied some of the concerns of the Quail Bus advocates, but confusion and concern remains about whether or not the new system will be as effective as the existing Quail bus.

Since the Quail bus was opened to the general public, some of those who have been riding the Quail recently will not qualify for the new paratransit, but will have to learn how to ride the HTA buses, which have a fixed route and won’t be able to meet everyone’s personal shopping choices.

Concern was also expressed regarding the lack of bus shelters in the area. Riders will have no choice but to stand in the rain. The group plans to suggest that a crosswalk and a red zone be placed at the Healy Center for the bus that will be taking passengers from Miranda and Phillipsville to the Redway and Garberville area. This route promises to be a boost to local businesses, but the lack of bus shelters is considered a drawback that may discourage ridership. There was also concern expressed for the lack of storage space on the buses. Riders who go north to shop or who come to Garberville/Redway to shop are concerned about where they can store their packages.

There was also disappointment expressed that Myers Flat and Weott, long considered part of the Southern Humboldt Community, are left out of the local bus system.

Making connections with other paratransit systems and dial-a-ride in the Fortuna and Eureka area also continues to be a concern. The system requires a reservation to be made 24 hours in advance. This will require a long distance phone call, and some expressed doubt that a dispatcher in Eureka will be able to properly schedule Southern Humboldt riders.

The idea of getting funding for a coordinator was also discussed. Rebecca Arcos, director of the Healy Center, said that they would be glad to find space for a coordinator, if the money is found to hire one.

Other issues still troubling TASH include the lack of local drivers for the new system since all buses will start their trips from Eureka, the loss of a good job for Jan Riber, the long-time popular driver of the current Quail Bus, saving the name of the Quail for the new paratransit bus, and adding stops at the area’s state parks to attract more tourists and recreational bus riders.