SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The message from the Baldwin County Commission to Spanish Fort City Council members was clear Monday night: Expanded affordable, accessible mass transit can become a reality in Baldwin County if local municipalities embrace—and help fund—a big-picture model that heralds cooperation and innovation.

Commission Chairman David Ed Bishop addressed the council during its work session this week in a well-received attempt to garner support for an expanded countywide bus system that could result in the construction of a transit hub within the city limits.

“As you know, we have a countywide bus system with (the Baldwin Regional Transportation System) that is housed in Robertsdale…, but we keep trying to improve it and make it better,” Bishop said. “We’re asking you to support us in this effort if you think it will help your community.”

At issue is the potential construction of regional hubs across the county that would unify the “fragmented” service and expand its ability to transport would-be commuters to work as gas prices resume their ascent.

Bishop said the county is willing to spend the money needed to build the hubs with the three most likely Eastern Shore locations in Spanish Fort, Daphne and Fairhope. Country Administrator Michael Thompson said he anticipated each building costing about $200,000.

Formally, Bishop was present at the meeting to circulate a letter of support for the initiative and informally he was requesting the city consider, identify and provide details on potential sites as well as funding sources.

To date, the county has received two separate grants—totaling $1.5 million—of $600,000 in stimulus money and $950,000 in Federal Transportation Reauthorization funding, but the project will require an estimated additional $2.5 million to complete. Bishop said some federal-grant funding will become available, but matching funds will be necessary to maximize the investment.

The council’s consensus for a potential hub site appears to favor city property at the intersection of Highways 72 and 31 that has already been discussed for the development of a city complex. Although a senior center has been the focal point of most discussions to date regarding the unused 17.5-acre parcel, Thompson said he anticipates dedicating about 1.5 acres for the hub would ensure ample space for growth.

Thompson said the current system works more akin to a taxi service where riders call and arrange for pickup, while others have taken advantage of park-and-ride lots provided by businesses along the routes.

 The plan, he said, is to begin offering fixed routes before volume exceeds space at participating parking areas.

“We’re trying to grow from a rural transit system to focus on some of the higher density areas,” he said.

Not to mention, BRATS already boasts maintenance sheds, mechanics and 70 buses and building off that foundation will “save a lot of citizen money if we all work together,” Bishop said.

In other business conducted during the regular council meeting following the work session, the council:

The council’s next meeting is slated for Monday, June 15, beginning with an informal work session at City Hall and followed immediately by the regular 6 p.m. meeting at the Gathering Place in the Prodisee Center.