Clovis mulls fixed routes for CATS

CLOVIS — City commissioners will look at the possibility of a fixed route system for the Clovis Area Transit Service in tonight’s study session at the Clovis-Carver Public Library.

The session is scheduled to follow the commission’s 5:15 p.m. meeting, which has a light agenda with only four action items and two reports.

Through a Federal Transit Administration grant, CATS provides delivery inside the city limits.

Currently, CATS operates Monday through Saturday, with rides made via reservations with at least 24 hours advance notice. The charge is either 75 cents for a one-way trip or a $5 pass good for 10 trips.

According to the CATS website, the system has a staff of 15 people, 10 of them bus operators that handle a 16-vehicle fleet. Annually, CATS estimates logging 215,000 miles over 68,000 trips.

A fixed route system has long been discussed by the city, but never seriously pursued. It was one of dozens of strategic priorities identified during a February 2013 town hall meeting. However, it was included among projects that, while desirable, did not have an identified funding source.

Items on the agenda include:

• Appointment of two city commissioners to negotiate an intergovernmental services agreement with Curry County.

• A street closure 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 for a Trunk or Treat on the 100 block of Main Street.

• Approval for the Veterans Day Parade 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 11 on Main Street between 14th and Grand.

• Appointment of George Moran Sr. to the Clovis Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

• Reports from the Clovis Civic Center on general operations and from city administration on monthly finance updates.