The University of Arkansas’ Razorback Transit service is donating two used buses to Ozark Regional Transit (ORT), the bus system serving people in the four county area of Northwest Arkansas.

A fire in the ORT bus barn on Jan. 10 destroyed 20 buses, and the service has been using borrowed buses from systems as far away as Wichita, Kan. and Mt. Vernon, Ky. to stay in operation.

“Razorback Transit was able to provide a few buses in the early days after the fire,” said Gary Smith, director of the U of A bus system. “But we also had two buses that were due to be replaced, and we received permission to give them to ORT. They aren’t a permanent solution of course, but we hope this will help them keep operating until all their buses can be replaced.”

Razorback Transit removed all the university signage on the buses — but left the red banner at ORT’s request, as a public reminder of the donation.

"Ozark Regional Transit is so very appreciative of the University and of Razorback Transit for this gift,” said Joel Gardner, executive director of Ozark Transit. “Words cannot express our thankfulness. This will prove to be the first, critical steps in restoring a permanent fleet and we couldn't be happier."