Rock County Transit Director Terrie Gulden, standing, and full-time dispatcher Elaine Vanden Berg work at the dispatching center Monday. They are testing new digital equipment that would prevent rider information from being broadcast over public airways. One of the potential vendors estimates a new system would cost about $8,000.
By Sara Strong
Heartland Express, Rock County's busing system, may change its dispatching methods this year.
There's nothing particularly wrong with the current radio system, but Rock County Transit Director Terrie Gulden wants to improve it for Heartland Express passengers.
He's seeking funding for a more secure system of dispatching that would prevent people with scanners from hearing private or sensitive information.
Gulden said his concern wasn't prompted by specific problems with the current radio system.
"There's just heightened security everywhere," he said. "My push is to look at things we can do here, proactively - I'd like to do something if we can."
A change in dispatching would mean better security through a more private radio system.
Heartland's busing isn't on a schedule with times and locations on a route, like many other public transits. Here, customers call when they need a ride, and one of three or four buses accommodates them.
Gulden is concerned about security, but funding is also a concern.
In 2001, legislators voted to stop counties from being able to levy for transit, and Gulden expects state funding to be flat this year with probable cuts in the future.
"We're finding that it's not enough," Gulden said.
He's applied for a grant to help fund a communication system upgrade, but heÕs also looking for funds locally.
"I'm not going to wait for [the state] to say no in January," Gulden said.
He's hoping for local or state organizations with community grant money available to help pay for a change in dispatching system.
Because of its limited funds, Heartland Express is increasing passenger rates for the first time in four years, starting January 2003. A ride in Luverne will increase 25¢, up from the current $1.25; countywide rates will increase 50¢, up from the current $2.50.
This year Heartland Express will complete an estimated 30,000 rides.