A county transportation plan could expand to round-the-clock coverage to help employees get to work.
At least that’s the hope for Thrive Allen County. Representatives asked county commissioners to agree to spend up to $54,000 more a year to expand the service and purchase another vehicle for the program.
Commissioners did not indicate whether they supported the proposal, and had plenty of questions. Most of their concerns were financial.
The county currently spends about $30,000 in matching funds for a pilot program that provides transportation to anyone who wants it, in addition to an existing program for seniors.
Thrive estimated it would cost $390,411 in total for one year. Most of the cost, $278,971, would come from federal and state funding.
They would charge $1 per ride, collecting an estimated $10,800.
That leaves $99,640.
Three local industries each pledged $5,000 toward the program, for a total of $15,000.
That’s because transportation is a big issue for their employees, Jessica Thompson, deputy director for Thrive, told commissioners. One employer estimated about 50 employees lack adequate transportation to and from work.
Thompson said she had spoken to other employers who bemoaned transportation issues with their employees, but they weren’t yet willing to commit to helping finance the program.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels said he would like to see more employers participate, and also suggested Thrive ask for participation from health care providers, such as Allen County Regional Hospital. 
THE COUNTY’S portion to expand the program would be $84,640. If the county didn’t purchase a vehicle, that would drop to $69,922.
The program started in June and is funded for a year, with about three different grants. One of those grants is due in November. Thompson said she needs to know by next week if the county will participate in the expanded program.
Currently, the program gives about 350 rides each month to about 75 people between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vehicle travels between 2,000 to 3,000 miles each month.
Commission Chairman Bruce Symes said he is pleased at the success of the program, which exceeded initial expectations.
