A substantial number of businesses at The Highlands are displaying "help wanted" signs. Job openings could be matched with job applicants if a few "bus stop" signs were erected there, Ohio County commissioners were told this week.
Jill Beall, of Workforce West Virginia, urged commissioners to do more to provide public transportation to The Highlands. She told them "it would be great if folks could get to The Highlands to work."
It would, indeed. The Highlands provides excellent job opportunities. But those aimed at entry-level workers sometimes go unfilled because those who would love to have the jobs do not have access to reliable transportation.
A trial bus run to The Highlands was operated for a time by the Ohio Valley Regional Transportation Authority, with financial help from commissioners. It was suspended because it was not being used enough to cover costs.
OVRTA officials are evaluating their service - in its entirety, not just in regard to The Highlands. It is possible that they may decide to try a Highlands run again, with changes calculated to appeal to more riders.
Obviously, service by OVRTA would be the most practical means of providing transportation to and from The Highlands. County commissioners could establish some sort of transit service on their own - and have discussed similar proposals. But OVRTA is the bus service for our area. It already has the equipment and personnel needed to provide the public with transportation.
Providing public transportation to and from The Highlands is important, not just for those who want to work there but also for some area residents who desire to patronize the stores, restaurants and other businesses at the location. While we recognize that implementing such service will not be easy, we encourage OVRTA, commissioners and anyone else who may be able to help to make the project a priority.