Dad Quoted

"We've tried to put together a system that meets the basic needs, basic services that need to be met in the city," Copeland concluded. "So we tried to devise routes that cover the hospitals, cover the shopping areas, cover the basic services. We tried to cover areas that would be quality-of-life areas."

Not everyone who was present at the sparsely attended meeting agreed that the city needs a transit system.

"When I moved to Jonesboro in 1970, the sales tax was 3 percent; now it's 8 percent," said Richard Tangeman. "The demand for public services goes hand in hand with more taxes and bigger government."

Tangeman said friends and family should help those who need transportation. "This place is a town here -- we're not your mom and dad."