DALTON, Ga. — Responding to criticism of the bus system, Whitfield County officials recently released results of a public transportation survey distributed to social workers.

Officials noted the service agencies the workers represent often serve clients who have no access to private vehicles.

The survey of 35 providers found the transit service for their clients was poorly advertised and never very reliable.

“Fundamentally, it reinforced what I had seen,” said Ron Hale, the county finance officer who’s been working to improve the bus system.

County officials met in May with about 50 social workers to assess problems with the bus system, and announced that North Georgia Community Action, which operates Whitfield’s six buses, had chosen not to renew its contract when it expires Oct. 1.

Mr. Hale said the agency wanted to avoid addressing problems with the bus system.

North Georgia Community Action’s executive director, Jonathan Ray, denied that was the reason, but declined to explain why his agency wanted to end the contract.

“I’d rather just not make a comment,” Mr. Ray said. “I’d rather it not turn into a ... battle in the papers.”

The Mountain Area Transportation (MATS) buses here have no fixed routes, instead picking up passengers at their doorstep. The service requires 2hour advance notice for pick-up, and is used mostly by the elderly and disabled.

Dalton Community Center director Tom Pinson said he’s seen problems with the bus system that is unreliable and underutilized.

“A lot of people don’t think it’s for the public. A lot of people think it’s for special needs,” he said. “And, because of the schedule, it probably is for special needs. You’re kind of at their mercy.”

County Commission Chairman Brian Anderson acknowledged that the bus system needs fixing.

“There has been some dissatisfaction the more we’ve looked into it,” he said.

After October, Whitfield will either go with a new contractor offering better customer service, or will run the system itself and provide riders with more flexibility.