Officials accept Indiana company’s proposal for bus service

COLUMBUS — City officials have approved a Lawrence, Ind.-based bus company’s proposal to bring in three buses for the start of a local public transportation service.

The Commercial Dispatch reports more buses from Lawrence Transit System are expected to arrive in Columbus after contracts are signed.

Dorothy Dowdell, director of Lawrence Transit’s local operations, says the system should create 50-75 jobs once it is fully implemented. She told city council members this week that drivers will be paid $15 an hour and must have Class B commercial driver’s license.

Dowdell says bus fares have not been set.

Travis Jones, the city’s director of federal programs, says in-kind services requested by Lawrence Transit System include some signs and benches.