Le Mars residents could, if interest warrants, find themselves with a new fuel-saving transportation option in the future.

Bill Cole, assistant city administrator, Tuesday shared with city council members that among "new ideas" under discussion by the Siouxland Regional Transportation System (SRTS) is the consideration of possible designated routes throughout the city. Such routes, Cole said, is being looked at as a means of continuing to increase SRTS usage.

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Currently, people who want to ride SRTS call the toll-free number and a pick-up appointment is arranged. Each called-for ride in Le Mars costs $3, unless the driver assists the rider from the door of their home to the bus. The price for that door-to-door service plus the ride is $5 all together.

Sandy Langel, director, SRTS, said she thought designated bus routes could be "an incredibly good thing" that residents would likely use and appreciate in light of today's fuel prices. She added that "some discussion" has also taken place regarding the possibility of a Le Mars - Sioux City route for the system if a future survey of employers in both cities showed interest along with current SRTS users.

City Councilman John Leonard observed during the discussions that he felt many individuals "were unaware" that all individuals, not only the disabled or elderly could use the system's transportation and that use of the system could cut fuel costs for local residents. Langel agreed stressing all riders are welcome on the SRTS buses.

Additional suggestions for increased system usage, Langel and Cole offered, include a possible future repeat of the "free" return home passes for riders, monthly passes, and making grant application for riders' "bus station pick-up" areas.

Mayor Dick Kirchoff has also suggested use of the system for visiting entertainment groups or tourists to Le Mars.

Tuesday's consideration of SRTS use possibilities followed council approval of a new contract with SRTS for the coming year. The agreement calls for payment of $640 per month for five-day-a- week service or an annual cost of 7,680, up just 2.9 percent from the current $7,464 or $622 monthly cost. Assistant City Administrator Cole noted that the SRTS's current $3 curb fare will remain the same. The agreement, an already budgeted item, will not, Cole said, further impact the city's budget picture.

Total projected 2009 budget for the system is $109,220 as compared to this year's $101,600. Funding is provided through rider fares, SRTS fund match of $66,365 (for 2009 and compared to $64,136 for 2008) and the city subsidy shown as approved above.

Projected fare revenue for 2009 is $36,175 as compared to $30,000 for 2008. "Ridership" of the SRTS has, Cole said, now reached the 44,000 level.

Council noted Tuesday that the SRTS phone number had been inadvertently omitted from the phone book. Riders wanting to use the service should call 1-800-881-2076.

The service is available Monday through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Langel said the early evening service is being undertaken on a trial basis, but if sufficient rider interest is apparent, the extended ours may also be extended this fall.