County officials and stakeholders will be working together to increase public transportation amenities for rural Montgomery County residents.

County stakeholders agreed at a public transportation meeting Aug. 3 that developing a financial implementation strategy for future transportation projects could benefit residents living in more rural areas and that finding a solution is imperative for the future.

Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark said he believes public transportation improvements are needed for county residents who travel east and west.

“Everything that has been discussed today has been north to south [transportation options] from Conroe,” Clark said. “The real problem is [transportation from] east to west. If someone needs a ride to New Caney [from Conroe] there is 5 miles through oil fields [to travel] where you do not see a building.”

Oak Ridge North Mayor Jim Kuykendall said upgrading the county’s public transportation system is necessary, adding the county should designate a public transportation manager to take the lead on any county initiatives and execute a successful public transportation plan.

County stakeholders at the meeting agreed that a possible public transportation manager could further public transportation initiatives for residents living east and west of Conroe and The Woodlands.

“I propose we coordinate to get our champion to work for a unified countywide program or funding,”Kuykendall said.

Kuykendall said he would personally be willing to pay more county taxes to fund a public transportation manager position—an option Clark said he would be willing to consider.

“I would be willing to fund a position of that nature,” Clark said. “I will fund it if we get the right person in to move forward.”

Officials and stakeholders from The Woodlands, Conroe, nonprofit groups  and the county are expected to meet regularly in the future to develop possible projects and initiatives and discuss possible strategies in finding a public transportation manager.