Bus System

Fares Effective: January 1, 2017

History

The Otsego County Bus System was established in 1978 as a demand-response system servicing area seniors and persons with disabilities. In 1980, it became a countywide transit system serving all county residents. The Otsego County Bus System has taken an active role in promoting tourism in the area, and has provided a high level of service to handicapper and senior groups throughout Otsego County.

Purpose & Mission Statement

"To provide safe, reliable and affordable transportation to all residents of Otsego County." 

The Otsego County Bus System transports all citizens of our County/Community to include Senior Citizens, people with special needs, students and regular adults. All of our buses have wheel chair lift capability and we provide curb to curb demand response service anywhere in the County.

Relationship to the County Board

Otsego County Bus System is a department of the County. The County Bus System and the Gaylord Regional Airport have recently been grouped together as the "Transportation and Airport Committee" with 3 county commissioners assigned to this committee. The Transportation and Airport Committee meets monthly on the second Thursday of each Month, 9 am, at the Airport Terminal Conference Room.

Departmental Revenues

The Bus System receives 16% Grant funding of overall operational budget from the Federal Government and 37% from the State of Michigan for all operating costs to run the system. The Bus System receives funding from the County in the form of a quarter mill (.25) (averages $290,000 per year) and an average of $350,000 in rider and contract fares per year. Total 2014 budget is currently set at $1,765,000.
Additional Reading

We work hand in hand on a daily basis with over 25 local and state agencies to provide transportation for those in need. In Fiscal Year 2013 The County Bus traveled more than 483,313 miles in and around our County using 58, 522 gallons of fuel, and transported more than 106,000 passengers to their desired destinations. We maintain a fleet of 22 wheel chair equipped buses, with two full time State and ASE certified mechanics.

Title VI Information

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Specifically, Title VI provides that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance" (42 USC. Section 2000d).

Otsego County Bus System is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Circular 4702.1.A. If you feel you are being denied participation in or being denied benefits of the transit services provided by Otsego County Bus System, or otherwise being discriminated against because of your race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, you may contact our office at 989-731-1204, ext. 2 or by mail at:
OCBS/Title VI Coordinator
1254 Energy Drive
Gaylord MI, 49735