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Meeting will address bus link to train By SUSAN JAY Rogue Valley travelers who don't want to drive, will have a much easier time getting to an Amtrak train station next summer. That's why a public meeting to discuss proposed bus service between Medford and Klamath Falls, and Medford and Eugene, is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the Justice Building, 100 South Oakdale St. Room 106. "Basically we're trying to work with the community in putting the service in, and the main reason for this is to get comment from the public," said Robert Krebs, spokesman with Oregon Department of Transportation rail division. "Since we're building this thing from scratch, we can do a lot of things to fit the community, like where it's going to stop." ODOT is working with Amtrak in developing bus service between cities without train stations and those with train stations. ODOT is also working with Rogue Valley Transit District on the planning. The proposed routes are part of a $10 million state General Fund appropriation to the Rail Division to increase public transportation. Krebs said ODOT plans to contract with a bus company, with service expected to start next July. People in Medford wanting to travel either north or south on Amtrak could jump on a bus to Klamath Falls. The train goes south all the way to Los Angeles, or north to Portland and Seattle. Or if they want to travel from Eugene, they could take another bus, which would drive them through Grants Pass, Canyonville and Roseburg, before arriving at the Amtrak train station in Eugene. The buses would say Thruway Amtrak Motorcoach, and will be offering a little higher level of service than most people expect on a bus, Krebs said. They will also be equipped for the disabled. The charge or bus ticket would probably be a little higher than Greyhound, and the trip is intended to be faster with fewer stops. Other motorcoaches will provide services between Portland and Boise, with stops in Salem, Sisters, Bend, Burns, Vale and Ontario. Another motorcoach route will link Bend, LaPine and Sunriver with trains stopping at Chemult. Since 1992 -- when Congress designated the rail corridor between Eugene and Vancouver, B.C., as the Pacific Northwest High Speed Rail Corridor -- Oregon has received $25 million in federal rail dollars to improve safety and increase speed. For more information call ODOT's rail division at (503) 986-4169. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA