A new public transportation program could take over the county’s senior bus service.
Jeff Keithly, director of ART, and Lisse Regher, CEO of Thrive, asked county commissioners to consider a consolidation between their general public transportation service and the county’s, which is reserved for those age 55 and older.
Allen Regional Transportation (ART) is a non-profit service started by Thrive Allen County that provides public transportation to all Allen County residents.
It takes those of all ages wherever they need such as medical appointments, work, the grocery and other stores. It also takes riders outside the county for medical services such as dialysis treatments.
ART also is approved through the state to operate a senior citizen transportation service — the same program the county offers. Both are funded by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. However, ART is not currently providing that service because it requires a separate vehicle. ART has been approved to receive a van but it is not expected to arrive until January or later.
Keithly said it makes sense to consolidate the two programs and avoid duplicating services.
“I believe combining our programs will leverage county dollars more effectively,” Keithly said.
Commissioners seemed to agree with the general premise but were concerned about financing.
The county collects a 1-mill tax levy each year for its senior citizen services. That includes wages for the transportation director, Meals on Wheels, senior centers and utilities for the Senior Citizens Thrift Store.
ART would ask the county to contribute its vehicle as well as dollars for salaries and maintenance, but commissioners said they’ll need to determine just how much funding goes to the transportation service and how much is for other programs.
SINCE IT began in April, ART has given 2,201 round-trip rides.
Of those, 300 were to grocery stores, 172 were to places of work and 871 were to doctor visits.
Though the program serves all ages, Keithly said the majority of riders are 55 and older.
ART has four drivers who have taken driving training courses, and have CPR and wheelchair certifications. ART also employs a dispatcher to organize rides.
If the county agrees to a consolidation, Regher said the two entities would need to develop a memorandum of understanding to outline responsibilities. It would need to include a provision as to what happens if ART’s program is not successful and the county needs to take back the senior citizen transportation service.
