The University of Arkansas (UA) is stepping in to help the beleaguered Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) system meet its demand for bus service in the northwest part of the state.
The transit service lost 20 buses in a recent fire at its bus barn, and it has been relying on buses borrowed from neighboring states like Kentucky and even as far away as Kansas.
Having two buses donated by the university's Razorback Transit will help the service meet its needs, ORT Executive Director Joel Gardner said.
"Ozark Regional Transit is so very appreciative of the university and of Razorback Transit for this gift," he said.
"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."
Gary Smith, director of the UA bus system, said the school had loaned ORT a few buses after the fire, but now it can do more.
“But we also had two buses that were due to be replaced, and we received permission to give them to ORT," he said. "They aren’t a permanent solution, of course, but we hope this will help them keep operating until all their buses can be replaced.”
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