Ask any local health professional, manufacturer, or school administrator, and they’ll tell you that the No. 1 reason for missed appointments or attendance is due to a lack of transportation.
In Allen County, 19% of residents lack a reliable means for getting about, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation.
“They fall in the gap,” said Jessica Thompson. “They aren’t senior citizens, they don’t have Medicaid, or they’re not disabled — things that qualify them for the county’s present transportation van.”
Thompson is director of development for Thrive Allen County and as such approached Allen County commissioners Tuesday for their buy-in to a more comprehensive public transportation program that would help, especially, this underserved demographic.
If commissioners sign on, the federal government would pay 80% of the costs to purchase a 14-passenger bus as well as a minivan with wheelchair accessibility. That’s a federal commitment of $86,400 against a local match of $21,6000. Operation of the service, including salaries and benefits, would be shared three ways, with the feds chipping in another $50,000; the state, a little more than $12,000; and the county, almost $30,000.
It’s estimated 700 Allen Countians are in need of such a service to help them get to work, attend appointments, transport their children to school, or get to a pharmacy or grocery store.
OWNING a vehicle is expensive.
According to Thompson, public transportation saves users about $10,000 a year. For those struggling to make ends meet, that’s money they don’t have.
In interviews with area residents, Thompson said she’s discovered people having to cancel outpatient surgeries because of a lack of reliable transportation. Some have missed their chemotherapy appointments in Kansas City or dialysis treatments in Chanute, and others have gone weeks without getting to a grocery store.
“They’re having to beg their friends or family members for rides to meet basic needs,” she said.
In doing research for the grant, Thompson said about 67% of those she surveyed currently experience transportation issues. A full 90% said they knew of someone who lacked reliable transportation.
COMMISSIONERS were receptive to Thompson’s report, but hedged on committing.
We understand, especially during these uncertain times, that they feel a responsibility to watch every penny.
Thompson added that every dollar invested in public transportation yields a $4 return by locals being able to live productive lives.
We’re sold.
