Benzie bus system is riding high, growing from the Traverse City Record-Eagle begins:

Wilma Kuerth didn't mince words when asked about Benzie Bus, Benzie County's increasingly popular transportation system.

Kuerth, 87, enjoyed a meal with friends one recent morning at The Gathering Place in Honor. Within minutes she'd board a Benzie Bus, and she couldn't say enough good things about the system.

"It's absolutely wonderful," said Kuerth, who lives near Honor. "It's the best thing that's ever happened in Benzie County."

Benzie Bus has experienced a surge in riders since it began operations in January 2007. It tallied nearly 70,000 one-way passenger rides in 2008, Executive Director Susan Miller said, up from about 40,000 in 2007.

Read the rest of that article for information about their plans which include seeking federal stimulus grants. The Benzie Bus web site explains:

More than 10 years ago a group of citizens in Benzie County began to hold monthly meetings to discuss the need for public transportation in their community.  In February of 2005 they officially launched the Benzie Bus Initiative.  One of the Initiative’s goals was to help the county’s economic growth.  Public transportation not only takes workers to their workplace, but a public bus connects residents, visitors and consumers to local businesses and other places of recreation which is vital to the area economy.  The Benzie Bus Initiative also knew that affordable and consistent transporation would improve educational opportunities in both schools and workplace.  Creating this link gives more people access to job training, increased educational and employment opportunities, and social service programs such as Welfare to Work.

In April of 2006 the Benzie County Board of Commissioners formed the Benzie Transportation Authority and appointed 10 county residents to direct the independent body.  Through multiple meetings and a grassroots approach to gain support, voters approved the 0.5 millage request- 58% yes, 42% no.  Turnout was 34%, which was double the turnout in the previous primary election and it was the first time in Michigan’s history that a public transportation ballot had passed on the first attempt.  In January 2007, the Benzie Bus became a reality, and opened its doors to the public.

Photo: Bike racks, included! from the Benzie Bus.