BATA,  the  Bay Area Transportation Authority, was established in 1985 through the merger of Leelanau County Transit and Traverse City Dial-a-Ride. BATA is a two-county authority, serving Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties 365 days a year, providing mobility throughout the area and to Grand Traverse County’s regional center for employment, education, services and retailing. BATA is funded through state and federal transportation programs, an authority-wide millage, and farebox revenues. Governance is by a seven-person Board of Directors composed of appointees from Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. BATA operates a fleet of 60 buses and vans and employs 110 people. Last year BATA gave 400,000 trips.