The sometimes-tumultuous relationship between the KART/PEAK board of directors and contractor Sun Valley Express took a more conciliatory tone at this month's board meeting.
But the contractor's future with Wood River Valley public transit remains an uncertainty.
KART has contracted through the end of September with the bus operator for north-south valley commuter service.
At KART's last board meeting, a letter was sent to Valley Express Inc. President Rich Peterson regarding a reportedly problematic bus driver, as well as safety, reliability and maintenance concerns.
Peterson's letter of reply both apologized for certain issues and defended the service overall.
"(Sun Valley Express) has provided safe, reliable, daily PEAK service for well near 1,500 straight days," the letter says. "Our safety record both on the PEAK as well as in our shuttle and charter divisions is impeccable."
The driver in question "has been removed from service," KART Manager Terry Crawford said.
"Rich handled it very quickly and that ... has been corrected," Crawford told the board. "He's addressed problems with maintenance. They're trying to put their best foot forward."
At the last meeting, several board members lashed out at both the driver and management for "awful" service.
"I'm very glad the driver is gone," said board member Beth Callister. "I can now start riding the bus again."
Still, board members were unsure about renewing the contract.
Blair Boand said KART/PEAK could gain efficiencies when expanding regional coverage by keeping service in-house.
Callister agreed.
"We have direct control over the quality of our service," she said. "I'm not going to be shy about expressing my experiences in inconsistencies with Sun Valley Express and the impact on the quality of service."
Board member Peter Everett said there are potential benefits of contracting, but the board should have more specific information before deciding.
"I just want to see all the proposals laid out," he said.
A half-day budget workshop is scheduled for Aug. 1. Discussion topics may include a five-year service plan, expansion plans and the Sun Valley Express contract.
