Sunrise Rotarian Bill Kennis is the Executive Director of the Benzie Transportation Authority.  He gave us the annual report on Benzie Bus and urged us to vote on March 10th on the millage renewal.
 
Since its inception in 2007 Benzie Bus has provided a million rides while taking in fare revenues of $1.6M.  This has fueled jobs in the community while producing both environmental and safety benefits.
 
In additon to fare box revenues, Benzie Bus relies on funding from the county, state and federal governments.  The county revenue comes from  millage (a $150,000 home pays $37.50 per year in millage), and this reprents about a third of Benzie Bus's revenue each year.
 
Benzie Bus surveys its riders every year, and the results are impressive:  In 2019 some 94% of reporting riders said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the service.  Furthermore, 4.39 out of 5 employees described their workplace as superior. 
 
Bill mentioned some of special rides provided by Benzie Bus, including transportation to Elbeta for the 4th of July fireworks and door-to-door service to the Traverse City Airport.  Everyone agreed that the Benzie Bus service is invaluable to our community, especially to seniors and students.