Bellefonte Borough partners with Center County to enhance transportation for seniors

Centre County's Board of Commissioners has taken a significant step to enhance transportation services for residents of Bellefonte Borough. During their recent meeting, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with Bellefonte Borough Council, aimed at providing essential transportation for individuals aged 60 and older who lack access to vehicles or funding sources.

This initiative will allow Bellefonte to fund trips through the Centre County Office of Transportation's shared ride service. Eligible residents will pay a nominal co-pay of $5 each way, ensuring affordable access to necessary transportation. The borough has earmarked approximately $16,000 for the remainder of the year to support this program, with plans to continue funding into the next year.

Commissioner Dave, who presented the proposal, emphasized the importance of this service for Bellefonte residents, stating that it will significantly benefit those in need. The borough's commitment to transportation has been longstanding, and this new agreement reflects a collaborative effort to adapt and improve service delivery.

Debbie Cleat, a member of the Bellefonte Borough Council, expressed her gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the flexibility of the service, which will cover trips up to 50 miles in any direction. However, she reminded residents that the service is limited to those living within the borough and does not extend to surrounding townships.

As the program rolls out, both the borough and the transportation office will monitor ridership closely to ensure that it remains within budget. This proactive approach aims to provide reliable transportation options for seniors while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The collaboration between Centre County and Bellefonte Borough marks a positive development in community support for vulnerable populations.