Generosity continues to flow from other transit systems to Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) as the public transportation system recovers from a severe fire on January 10, 2017.
The largest step toward permanently replacing the lost bus fleet took place January 26, 2017 with the gifting of two Gillig Phantom buses from the University of Arkansas and Razorback Transit to ORT.
Combined with the smaller 12-seater bus given by Rural Transit Enterprises Coordinated (RTEC) in Mount Vernon, Kentucky earlier this month, these three buses represent the replenishment of ORT’s permanent fleet to date.
The largest steps toward total restoration is contingent upon an insurance claim and possibly emergency funding but in the meantime, ORT continues to operate all of its routes with borrowed buses with management’s eye on permanent replacements. This is the first major advancement toward that greater goal.
"Ozark Regional Transit is so very appreciative of the University and of Razorback Transit for this gift. Words cannot express our thankfulness. This will prove to be the first, critical steps in restoring a permanent fleet and we couldn't be happier" remarked Joel Gardner, executive director of ORT.
Razorback Transit was kind enough to replace their name and logo with Ozark Regional Transit’s name prior to delivering the two buses. However, at ORT’s request, the standard, broad, red stripe of Razorback Transit buses were left. “We want Northwest Arkansans to have a constant reminder of where these buses came from and we want to physically express, in some small way, our ongoing gratitude to Razorback for these gifts.” said Gardner. “We look forward to continually working with Razorback to bring viable public transportation to NW Arkansas.”
