TRPTA to seek bankruptcy and new direction

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) - Since it shut down its eastern Idaho public transportation system May 1, the TRPTA board of directors has been following two tracks. The first is aimed at resolving its outstanding debts. The second is to outline a path-forward for a new fixed route bus service in Idaho Falls.

City Councilwoman Michelle Ziel-Dingman is a member of the TRPTA Board. She told the city council Monday TRPTA will formally file for bankruptcy within the next month. That legal process will also help determine the specific ownership of buildings operated by TRPTA. Its other assets were sold at auction this summer.

The auction generated about $179,000 in cash. Ziel-Dingman said about $35,000 was paid out to satisfy debts owed the Idaho Transportation Department and Federal Transportation Administration. The balance is in the bank.

At the same time, TRPTA is in the process of contracting with a non-profit agency called Community Transportation Association of America. Ziel-Dingman said that group will help TRPTA re-brand and move forward with service options. Their work will include conducting a need assessment, configuration of a fixed route bus service, a plan for operational sustainability, and grant applications. She said the goal is to have that consultant agreement in place by December 19.

At this time, Idaho Falls is the only entity in Bonneville county that has allocated any funding for TRPTA operations this fiscal year.