The stories shocked Thrive staff when they first began to study transportation in 2019:
• About 20% of Allen County residents lack reliable transportation.
• Some residents wait two to three weeks between trips to the grocery store because they can’t find someone to take them.
• Cancer patients sometimes miss chemotherapy appointments and dialysis treatments.
• Many elderly residents spend much of their time at home and alone, visited only by those who deliver groceries or Meals On Wheels.
• Workers lose their jobs because they don’t have reliable transportation.
“There is a desperate need for transportation in our communities,” Lisse Regehr, Thrive CEO, said.
Since then, Allen County’s transportation programs have evolved to provide more opportunities for new people. This week, Thrive announced it would take over a general transportation program after county commissioners said they no longer planned to fund it because of budget concerns.
That could lead to a brief delay in the program, but Thrive staff are excited about opportunities to eventually expand hours and create a model for other non-profit organizations in rural communities that struggle with transportation issues.
NOT LONG after Thrive first began to study transportation needs, staff created a “safety net” transportation program that would take residents to essential out-of-town appointments (within a 115-mile radius), such as to see doctors or for medical procedures, or to go to hearings for court or similar activities.
The program is funded by numerous grants and donations.
It’s become such a popular program that all three drivers are booked for at least a month ahead.
Then, Thrive worked with Allen County commissioners to set up a general public transportation program that began in 2021. The county already had a similar program for those age 55 and older.
The new program provided free rides to anyone to go anywhere in Allen County. A study found most used it to go to doctor appointments and the store.
It didn’t take long before the program hit a snag.
