• David Tewes •
• Originally published May 6, 2008 at 12:13 p.m., updated May 6, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.

Victoria Transit has been asked to leave its office space at Laurent Tower by month’s end, but an official said buses will continue to operate.

“Victoria Transit is not going to go away,” said Executive Director Joe Brannan with the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission. “It is going to be a bit of a challenge.”

Victoria Transit is a city of Victoria transportation system operated under contract by the regional planning commission.

City Manager Charles Windwehen could not be reached for comment Monday.

A call to Laurent Tower’s office and to the owner in Austin on Monday also went unanswered.

The announcement came as Victoria Transit launched its new service, offering four commuter routes and expanded hours and days of operation.

Brannan said he just learned Thursday the owner of Laurent Tower wants the transit office moved. No reason was given, he said.

Lisa Cortinas, director of transportation services, said Laurent Tower was purchased last year by Bill Wendlandt of Austin and the transit has been operating on a month-to-month lease since October.

A notice dated May 1 was received by the transit last week.

“We have 30 days to find another location,” Cortinas said. “But in their letter they told us they’re willing to work with us in extending the 30 days.”

The notice was a surprise and the transit is looking for new office space, Cortinas said. An effort is also under way to meet with the owner to discuss options, she said.

The Laurent Tower space is the transit’s headquarters, serves as a transfer station between routes and is where the buses are parked overnight. Rent is $2,700 a month, up from $2,086 last year.

Cortinas estimated the operation couldn’t be in a new location before July.

“And that’s pushing it,” she said. “We’re going to try to avoid interruption of the service.”

David Tewes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6515 or dtewes@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VicAd.com.

• Print
• •
• Share
  • Share this item

    Send this to a friend

    Share on FaceBook

  • Grab the link

    Copy and paste the link:

  • Blog about it

    Blog about this page.

  • Close
• •
• Post a Comment
• •
• Favorite
• •
• Report error
  • Thank you for your submission.
    Error report or correction

    Contact name (optional) Contact phone/e-mail (optional)  

    
  • Close
• •