Join us on Thursday for "Coffee and Transit Talk" on Thursday, Jan. 6, from noon to 1 p.m. at Relax, It's Just Coffee, 105 N. Main St.

In a dozen years as the village manager of Johnstown, Ohio, Jim Lenner learned to think outside the box.

So who is doing public transit via buses well in the United States and around the world?

Voices are growing among those -- both inside and outside city government -- who think it's time for the City of Mansfield to contribute more to public transportation.

Darian Nagle-Gamm didn't hesitate when asked what made Iowa City's recent public transit study a success -- communication with the public.

Lee Nichols has helped guide many communities through public transit strategic planning efforts.

Richland County Transit has received a $167,779 state grant to do its first in-depth transit development plan in more than a decade. It begins in 2022 and will include public participation.

Mansfield was once on the cutting edge of public transportation in the United States, sporting in 1887 only the fourth electric trolley system in the country.

Jean Taddie and Clint Knight are still relatively knew to leadership roles in Richland County Transit. They are both digging into the numbers.

The need for public transit is not surprising since many residents depend on buses to get to work, medical appointments, social service meetings, shopping and much more.