Last week, Collin County Commissioner Chris Hill resigned from his position as TAPS board chairman and upon his exit told TAPS officials that he would suggest the county seek an alternate service provider. However, Monday the TAPS board unanimously voted to cut all operations to Collin County effective immediately.

According to an email sent by TAPS officials, the vote came after TAPS Interim CEO and Executive Director Tim Patton gave an updated operational report that showed continuing operations in Collin County is economically inefficient, putting an undue burden on the transportation agency.

For the other five counties TAPS serves, the board voted to remove the restriction of medical-related trips only, and extend service to elderly and disabled passengers.

"Last week, TAPS moved all Collin County personnel and operations to its Sherman location," the email stated. "The move means equipment and drivers have to commute at least an hour just to be staged for any trips to be performed in the county. Approximately 40 percent of all trips made in the past week were in Collin County."

Patton said TAPS will continue to perform trips in Collin County that have already been scheduled through close of business on Wednesday, Dec. 9. TAPS will contact customers who have trips set after that date to inform them service will not be available.

The board also voted to set a cap on the number of trips that could be performed to 120 daily, Monday through Friday. Those trips will be allocated across the remaining TAPS service area which includes Clay, Cooke, Fannin, Grayson, Montague, and Wise counties.