Staff Report
Published June 17, 2011

The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority must undertake immediate changes if the region is to begin transforming transportation in the Midlands, adviser Derrick Huggins said in a report.

“We need to work together. We can’t just throw rocks. We need our community leaders to lead,” Huggins said Thursday before a group of more than 100 at a forum hosted by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce at IT-oLogy.

Huggins proposed a plan that recommended multiple “catalysts for transformation,” including restructuring of the agency’s board, hiring of a new executive director, creation of a competitive bidding process for operator services, and increases in transparency and accountability.

He also emphasized that the transit authority must secure sustainable funding, revitalize its image, improve operations, explore system innovations and expand community partnerships.

Huggins, an associate vice president for transportation at the University of South Carolina, served as an adviser to the transit authority from March 1 to May 31.

“What Derrick has given us today is a new road to travel,” said Mike Brenan, chairman of the Columbia Chamber’s board of directors.

Brenan said improving transportation is a vital part of improving the Midlands.

“There is not a great American city that doesn’t have a great public transportation system,” he said. “If we want a great American city, we need a great public transportation system.”

Joyce Dickerson, who serves as the chairwoman of the agency’s board, said she hopes Huggins’ plan will be the beginning of a new era for the authority.