Martin County moved a step closer to getting its public buses back on the road after a sudden shutdown left riders and drivers stranded. On Tuesday, the county commission voted unanimously to let the county administrator negotiate a one‑year contract with MTM Transit, the firm that previously ran the MARTY system.
Why the shutdown happened
Last Thursday, Martin County Transit LLC abruptly halted service, citing rising operating costs such as fuel and maintenance. The decision left dozens of drivers, including former MARTY driver Bill Lawrence, without work. “I’m hoping that we get this back on the road soon. We need our employees, our drivers, to get back to work,” Lawrence said at the commission meeting.
County response and next steps
Public Works Director Jim Gorton explained that county officials spent the past several days reaching out to multiple vendors and reviewing proposals. After evaluating the options, they identified MTM Transit as the preferred partner. Under emergency procurement rules, the proposed agreement would cost roughly $3 million for a one‑year term. During that period, the county plans to develop a standard multi‑year contract through the normal competitive bidding process.
One of the top priorities in the negotiations is to bring back the drivers who lost their jobs. “We absolutely want to use those same drivers and get them back to work as quickly as possible,” Gorton said.
Contract termination and timeline
The commission also authorized the termination of the existing contract with Martin County Transit LLC. County officials are hopeful that negotiations with MTM Transit can be finalized by the end of the week, which could allow buses to resume service as early as next week.
Impact on the community
Restoring MARTY service is critical for many residents who rely on public transportation for work, school, and medical appointments. The swift action by the commission demonstrates a commitment to maintaining essential services and supporting local families during a challenging time.
For updates on the negotiation progress and the expected return of bus service, residents are encouraged to follow county communications and attend future public‑works meetings.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
