TRAVERSE CITY -- Larry Fleis hasn't ever ridden a Bay Area Transportation Authority bus. But the Grand Traverse County commissioner is convinced BATA's operations are no way to run a business.
Grand Traverse County board Chairman Dick Thomas recently appointed Fleis as the county's representative on the seven-member BATA board, a post sought by several commissioners because they wanted to help solve the public transportation system's long-festering problems.
"They need to improve the service, particularly for the users," Fleis said. "If this was not a millage supported endeavor it would have been belly-up a long time ago."
BATA has struggled to overcome a $366,000 deficit in 2008; it's been dogged by several incidents in which disabled riders were injured when their wheelchairs or scooters tipped over; and BATA officials said they have no money in their $6.3 million budget to fill the executive director post.
Fleis and Commissioner Ross Richardson, who also sought the appointment, said they wanted the post because they believe their business experience could help the transit agency. Richardson is a semi-retired restaurateur and Fleis owns Lark Lawn & Garden in Blair Township.
Fleis said he's concerned about BATA's use of tax money, though he considers customer service the bigger issue. Three of his employees have used BATA to get to work, with questionable results.
"If I was an employer not tolerant of tardiness, I would have had to fire all three of them," Fleis said.
His employees at times have had to spend up to 90 minutes on the bus for what's typically a 15-minute car ride. On one occasion, an employee who expected a bus pick-up at 6:15 p.m. had to wait until almost 8 p.m. for the ride
"You can't treat people that way," Fleis said.
BATA board Chairman Rob Bacigalupi said BATA's fixed route system is reliable, but Fleis' employees used its dial-a-ride service.
"Dial-a-ride, by its very nature, can't be reliable." Bacigalupi said.
Fleis said he can't understand the rash of injuries involving disabled riders.
"To my way of thinking, it is an easy fix. It would be pretty simple to strap a wheelchair down," Fleis said. "They say it's difficult, but I could show them."
Fleis acknowledged that he's not fully versed on BATA's operations, but said he'll be attentive at meetings and won't hesitate to ask questions.
"It's always nice to have a new face and a new perspective and I'm looking forward to working with him," Bacigalupi said.
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