While people aren’t exactly calling their county commissioners and demanding countywide public transit, there is little question that access to such a service would be a step forward for Freeborn County. The problem is finding somebody to pay for it.

The county has been approached by Senior Resources of Freeborn County, which now operates the Lakeview Trolley &045; the Albert Lea bus service that is the county’s only public transit. They are interested in a countywide dial-a-ride service, but state money to implement it is dependent upon a major financial contribution from the county.

With the budget already tight and plans for a new courthouse addition on the table, it’s easy to see why county officials are reluctant. But on the other hand, the closing of the Alden Clinic is a perfect illustration of why countywide transit will become more and more important. People in Alden have complained that with their clinic closing, some people, particularly seniors, will have a hard time getting into Albert Lea or Wells to see a doctor. Situations like these are likely to proliferate as the county’s population ages and as more services become concentrated in large population centers.

The biggest problem is that these kinds of transit services, when implemented in other rural counties, are often not used enough to make them self sufficient, and they always require government help to operate.

The county will need to decide if the benefits are worth the financial commitment. It appears likely that the cost will prove too high. But if the commissioners are to truly understand the demand for public transportation, those who want it should let them know.