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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- At Tuesday’s Ottumwa City Council meeting, members were briefed on what the Ottumwa Transit Authority might look like after certain services are scaled back or even terminated.

Acting Transit Director Mark Hagist told the council that based on accurate ridership numbers, several services will have to be scaled back or terminated all together.

The cuts could include the PTYC north and south service, Sunday service and early morning routes. Also, two routes could be eliminated all together.

These recommendations were made by an advisor whom the Iowa Department of Transportation recommended after it was discovered that inflated passenger counts were reported to the Department of Transportation.

Since then, the Ottumwa Transit Authority has been running without a contract and funding from the department. The City of Ottumwa, who is now operating the transit service, hopes to have a new contract in place by September 1.

The council agreed that it is necessary to have public input on what services should be cut back. Therefore, on August 16, the council will have a public hearing on the matter. Residents are urged to come and voice their comments and concerns with the council.

The biggest news might come out next week as the 10-15 transit board is set to meet in Ottumwa. The regional transit service is also under the microscope of the Department of Transportation. The Ottumwa Transit Authority operates 10-15 transit for the 11 counties it serves. The board, whom is made up of county supervisors, is eager to get a contract in place with the Iowa Department of Transportation as well.