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We began operation as Mecosta Rural Transit(MRT) and evolved into Mecosta County Area Transit (MCAT). In 1983 it was renamed Mecosta-Osceola County Area Transit (MOCAT) with the inclusion of Osceola County. The system is currently identified as Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority as of July, 2005.
Since its inception as MRT there has never been local funding for the system (millage or county subsidy). Operations have been supported by State and Federal funding, contract fares and fare box revenues. As State and Federal funding continued to decrease it became necessary to seek other funding sources. In August, 2005 when the system became MOTA, funding efforts focused on pursuing a millage. A millage vote asking for .5 mil in the two counties did not pass in November, 2005.
The millage missed passing in Mecosta County by 239 votes, 424 in Osceola County. The three months between August and November provided little time to plan, prepare, present and promote the newly formatted operation. Since that defeat, however, the Board of Commissioners for both Mecosta and Osceola Counties have supported MOTA's operations as we prepared for a second millage attempt. Support was based on a perception from public feedback that more time was needed to develop a comprehensive operational plan.
In the November, 2006 the millage failed. The funds would have been used to expand and enhance transportation in Mecosta and Osceola Counties
A survey is being conducted to determine specific transit needs (times, potential volume and alternative services) and suggest solution options.
To remain operational, MOTA has cut staff to the bare minimum.
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