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Show February n (Editor's note: In response to recent People Line questions concerning the service the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) provides Hill AFB, the Hill Top Times has solicited answers from five people who have been working most aggressively toward solutions. The five include UTA general manager John Pingree, UTA director of transit development John English, 2849th ABG commander Col. Michael Moore, 2849th Transportation Division chief Neil Hansen, and Hill AFB liaison with UTA Natalie Marino. They are collectively referred to below as Solution Working Group (SWG).) HTT: The recent route changes and fare increases have apparently caused quite an uproar among certain UTA customers. Let's start with the complaints voiced through the People Line channel recently. What are Hill employees unhappy about, regarding UTA? AN The 299th Communications Squadron of the everyone's pocket. HTT: These sound like problems between UTA and the rider. How does the base get involved here? Colonel Moore: Well, of course we want to know that our people are getting the best service available, whether the Air Force provides it, or a state or a private company. Also, any changes in traffic flow and bus stops get the blessing of our security police and safety office to make sure the changes fit in with our other traffic and safety concerns on base. Utah Air National Guard will relocate from Salt Lake City International Airport to Hill AFB this year. . The action is part of the Air Force Systems Command's plan to consolidate all Air Force range functions at the Hill, Wendover 'and Dugway ranges into one operations center at the base. As part of the total force policy, the 299th Sq. Communications has been integrated into the operations of the active duty 6501st Range Squadron at Hill AFB. The unit continues to be based out of Salt Lake City although its day to day operations are conducted at Hill. The proposed move would the administrative and operational functions of the squadron. co-loca- Actually, UTA changed their proposed change to the routing before it went SWG: te Although actual relocation costs are service. A major complaint of bus service is that the buses are never on time. Well, often the reason they aren't on time is because riders have persuaded the drivers to make additional stops. Another disadvantage of unscheduled stops is safety. The base has authorized UTA to stop at specific places, and those places were chosen with a lot of thought as to the safety of their work place, the routing problem on base has been resolved with the established stops serving the majority of the riders. HTT: We understand that before the January change, many riders were asking the driver to make special stops in order to get them closer to their building, or even to a preferred entrance. Why can't UTA do this anymore? SWG: The prime reason the drivers won't stop at unauthorized places anymore is that these stops create unscheduled delays and make people late who get off further down the disembarking passengers. Are they out of the flow of traffic trying to get around the bus? Can they be seen by oncoming, traffic, for example? A third reason to keep to only authorized stops is to help the rest of the base's traffic of 20,000 employees flow quickly. If a bus stops along the road and automobile drivers can't easily get around, that stops traffic. Multiply even three cars that have to stop and wait for 10 or 20 people to climb off a bus, and that ties up traffic on the whole base for a considerable amount of time. line. And the people waiting for the bus to come are delayed when each individual wants door- - actually, the people who choose to ride the bus have to understand that it's not service, and that the 1,000 or so UTA riders have to consider that many of the other 19,000 base employees are trying to get to work at the same time. urn HTT: So, door-to-do- expected to be minimal, the move will require approximately $287,000 for alterations to the range air operating facility here. However, this will result in a saving of approximately $375,000 in construction previously programmed to support the 299th at Salt Lake City. or SWG: Right. HTT: What about safety on the buses? How can 90 people be carried safely on a bus built to seat 45? SWG: Ah, that's the key. Seats for 45. Do you know that the Department of Transportation has absolutely no restriction (Continued on page 4) The environmental assessment of the action turned up no significant impact. BOX SPRING 7 A AMI AATTrfUCZCZ SALE STMTS FRIDAY ALL SOFAS 9:00 AA1. ALL DINETTES j - 'Vs"' FED. ISffc Savet Savef 3 to-do- or into effect because of voiced complaints by Hill riders. So, although we know there are still some disgruntled people because they have to walk a little farther from a bus stop to SOSTDOS 4 Squadron Page Base meets with UTA, complaints explained SWG: Complaints have centered around three main issues. First, some Hill riders objected to the announced change in routing on base that was to go into effect Jan. 7. Second, riders have been worried that their safety is compromised because the buses are carrying up to 90 passengers, with sometimes .as many as 35 standing in the aisle. And third, the fare increase has affected CinrDirira HILL TOP TIMES 15, 1980 I I Bring in our competitors ac and if the item you want can be purchased by us you will own it at a con siderably Lower Amounl -- We Beat All Competitive Prices On O DRAPERIES THIS PRESIDENTS DAY FEB. 10TH O CARPET O LINOLEUM A,. tfe;iE.w V concept 766-003- 2 Mil Hnrth Mnfn LAYTOfl ) ) V t t f |