County officials and stakeholders discussed the need for public transportation amenities throughout the county on Aug. 3 during a Montgomery County public transportation meeting.

Representatives from The Woodlands Township, Conroe, the Brazos Transit District and Montgomery County attended the meeting, which was sponsored by the Conroe-The Woodlands Urbanized Area transit advisory committee.

The representatives discussed current transportation amenities available in the county, such as the Conroe Connection public transportation system, the Woodlands Waterway Trolley and The Woodlands Express. Transportation programs from local nonprofits were also discussed, however stakeholders agreed that developing a financial implementation strategy for future transportation projects could benefit residents living in rural areas.

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 five miles through oil fields [to traverse] where you don’t see a building.”

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

“We see the need but there has to be somebody who’s pulling these things together,” Kuykendall said. “I propose we coordinate to get our champion to work for a unified county wide program or funding.”

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