TRANSIT SERVICES PLAN MERGER

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority and a Jackson-based transit service plan to merge in a move that both sides say will improve transportation services in the county.

The Transit Authority board and the board of directors of Cape County Transit, a not-for-profit transportation service that operates a fleet of vans, met last month and agreed to proceed with merger efforts.

Doug Richards, who chairs the Transit Authority, said Thursday that the merger would eliminate turf battles over grant funding and lead to expanded services.

Richards said the merger could lead to more grant funding, vans and drivers. Details of the merger are still being worked out.

The Cape Girardeau County Commission supports the merger, Richards said.

Dareld Davis, project manager of Cape County Transit, said it could be September before all the merger issues are worked out.

Davis said the merger would allow Cape County Transit to grow.

"We are just getting overwhelmed right now," said Davis, pointing to a growing demand for transit services and the management to operate the system.

"I am real upbeat about it," said Davis. "I think a lot of positive things can happen with this."

Cape County Transit operates six vans and also leases a van to VIP Industries, which operates a sheltered workshop for the handicapped.