LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) —The Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA) says it’s not mismanagement driving recent service disruptions—it’s the consequence of dwindling funding.

In a August 4th statement, JATA pointed to looming state budget cuts prompted by federal belt-tightening, saying public transit agencies statewide were told to brace for a 10–15% drop in state funding.

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“These service disruptions are … the result of a shrinking funding structure that no longer matches the needs of our agency, our staff, or our community,” the JATA board said. 

The result: fewer buses, shorter hours, suspended routes, and a growing shortage of drivers and mechanics, WILX News 10 reported.

Complicating matters are federal hiring rules, including a zero-tolerance drug policy, that JATA says are slowing down recruiting.

For now, JATA’s focus is on maintaining core services, just just with fewer buses in operation.