TUPELO - The city's new Public Transportation Committee can start meeting now that it has a slate of members.

Mayor Jack Reed Jr. on Tuesday nominated five Tupelo residents to serve on the committee, which was created in June by the previous mayor and City Council. Reed also selected two consultants who will advise the group but cannot vote.

City Council members unanimously approved the nominations.

The committee will study ways to launch a citywide bus system for the handicapped, the elderly and anyone currently without transportation.

The group will look at bus routes, rider projections and a funding mechanism, and report back to the City Council.

Serving will be Tupelo resident and Washington lobbyist Brad Prewitt, city Retirement Director Ora Baldwin, businessman and blind activist David Puckett, retired educator Jim Casey and retired businessman Jim Westbrook.

Consultants will be Lynn Bryan, a general contractor, and Kenneth Roberts, transportation director for the Tupelo school district.

"I think it's a great group," said Ward 7 Councilman Willie Jennings, adding that he personally knows three of the newly appointed members.

It's unclear when the committee will begin meeting, but it's likely to start soon.

Tupelo had a public bus route several decades ago. It also had a specialty bus service through the nonprofit group Lift Inc., but that route served only special-needs individuals and closed a couple years ago after funding problems.

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com. Also read Emily's blog, The Government Grind, at NEMS360.com.