“It’s designed to respond to the needs of the people. It’s not that we just put vehicles out there to run,” he said. “It’s a public transportation system, but not a public transit system. ... We don’t think a public transit system that stops every 15 minutes is the way to go.”

Carr said it would be up to the City of Laurel to determine what type of program is needed locally.

Cooley said no final decisions have been made concerning the type of public transportation that will be offered in the city.

Cooley said the purpose of this week’s hearing is to obtain citizen input into the development of the city’s application for a grant.

The public hearing will be conducted at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Laurel Train Depot on Maple Street.

Anyone wanting more information about the city’s efforts should contact Cooley at the city’s Community Development Office at (601) 428-6142.