In 2018, Allen County paid $1 million for a rock crusher. For a good chunk of its life, the crusher has been in the shop for repairs of one sort or another. This summer, one repair bill was in the neighborhood of $40,000.
Though commissioners complain about the invoices for the crusher’s repairs, never do they pause as to the value of its services.
On Tuesday, county commissioners were presented with a plan to provide a year’s worth of round-the-clock transportation services to local citizens.
The plan would expand what the county currently provides so that those who work second or third shifts at our local industries could take advantage. The service is not free; rides would cost $1, more than covering the cost of fuel.
Thrive Allen County is the driving force behind the public transportation idea and has secured federal and state funding sources that would pay two-thirds of the expected costs. Of Allen County’s share, three private industries have offered to contribute a total of $15,000 toward the transportation program, reducing the county’s commitment to about $84,000.
At Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners were hesitant to commit, frequently citing the program’s costs.
BECAUSE WE live in an area that lacks public transportation such as buses, trains or trollies, it’s important to fill the gaps.
Already, the county’s current daytime transportation service, also devised by Thrive, has exceeded expectations. Started in June, the program gives about 350 rides each month to about 75 people. Its service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The vehicle averages 2,500 miles a month. The county contributes about $30,000 for the daytime service. Again, about one-third of the total cost.
Studies show the service fills a big need by helping locals get to their healthcare appointments, pick up prescriptions, go to the bank, do their grocery shopping, go to the library, go to community activities, etc.
For some, the public transportation service is the difference between being isolated in their homes to being able to more fully participate in society. For those unable to drive — the elderly, the handicapped — such isolation can be debilitating.
Being engaged in life is all part of keeping a citizenry healthy.
EXPANDING the current program would especially help meet the needs of local employers.
In explaining the program to commissioners, Thrive’s Jessica Thompson said one local employer estimated about 50 employees lack adequate transportation to and from work.
No doubt about it, owning a vehicle is expensive, and for young families, particularly, there’s only so many ways to stretch a paycheck.
What’s even more expensive to the county are the lost wages and lost productivity caused by an unstable workforce.
