Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown Bus Stop Inc. has announced that as of Thursday, May 31st, the Bus Depot in Jamestown has closed.

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  • Jamestown Bus Station Closing CSi Photo Jamestown Bus Station Closing CSi Photo
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On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Bus Stop Inc., board member Alden Kollman said, due to the early morning hours of the Jefferson Bus Lines, schedule, it made it extremely difficult for the bus depot’s volunteers to staff the depot.  Video below is a 2 minute portion.  Scroll down for the full 19 minute interview


News Alert Bus Depot Closes Jamestown from The Replay Channel on Vimeo.

He said anticipated revenue from ticket sales factored in to the Jamestown bus stop closure, with a 10 percent commission based on an expected $80,000 in annual ticket sales which would generate enough dollars for overhead and paid volunteers.

Kollman added that annual ticket sales have been between $40,000 and $50,000, for the Jamestown Bus Depot, with Jefferson paying a staff between April and June, but would not sustain the depot’s operations.

There is no commission for tickets purchased online.

Entire 19 minute interview

 

Kollman pointed out that on May 24th the Jefferson Lines westbound bus began arriving in Jamestown at 12:20 a.m., followed by the eastbound bus at 3:40 a.m.

When the bus depot opened two years ago the schedule was the eastbound bus arriving at 10:10 a.m., and the westbound bus at 2 p.m., making it easier for volunteers to staff the depot.

The former bus depot was opened in 2016 a year after the late Charlie Kourajian, having concerns about bus riders waiting outside in the elements, especially in the winter, began a search of a building and working with officials at First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Downtown Jamestown secured the church’s garage which was converted to the bus depot, including a ticket agent along with a waiting area, and restroom facility, with monthly rent paid to the church.

Seed money for the project was secured through the City of Jamestown, with the help of Kourajian, who was then a city council member, and local business donations.

Kollman said along with Charlie, Alden and his wife Landa, along with Steve Grenz, and Carol Henne, and Doreen Brophy, volunteered to staff the bus depot on a regular basis, needing to be there 90 minutes before and after each bus arrival along with being there afternoons to sell tickets to walk-in customers.  Monthly ridership averaged about 100 individuals per month.

Kollman said now, bus passengers will again have to wait for the bus in the three-side structure on First Avenue North and First Street West, near the railroad tracks. He said hopefully those people will have the availability to wait for the bus in a car if they can get a ride.

He added, anyone that has a business open 24 hours and wishing to accommodate the bus riders, indoors, may contact Alden Kollman at 701-320-7650, and he’ll contact officials with Jefferson Bus Line, specifically, Jefferson Lines Director of Sales, Kevin Pursey.

The location will not have to sell tickets, as those can be purchased at the Jefferson Bus Line website.

Kollman said dollars left in the depot’s coffers after sewer line issues are addressed, will be donated to the Jamestown Salvation Army which provides travel vouchers to those traveling from Jamestown without funds.