PHILLIPS - - Local citizens, businesses and associations are currently researching the feasibility of creating public transportation that would connect North Franklin County communities with Farmington and even possibly Augusta and other large cities.

Lynn Thurston, of Phillips, is taking charge and looking for input. She has created a survey to help determine what, when and where busses for public use should run.

"Your input is important to determine if there is a need for a bus service, how many people would use the service, what the best scheduled times would be, and what the service would be worth." Thurston explained in a briefing.

She explained that it would be beneficial to the people of the area to have shuttle service that connects people to areas like Sugarloaf and Saddleback ski resorts and shopping in the Farmington and even Augusta areas.

She also noted that they're looking for those who would be interested in being part of a steering committee to get the project off the ground.

In the past, public transportation has connected Kingfield to Sugarloaf on weekends and during holiday weeks. This service was sponsored by the Kingfield Recreation Department. There is ongoing discussion by others of expanding that service down Route 27 to Farmington, but that discussion is still in the conceptual stages needing funding.

To get a copy of the survey or to reach Thurston you can call 684-2172 or send an email to hope@tdstelme.net.