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Bellefonte, Center County sign MOU to fund shared-ride trips for borough residents
Summary
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with Bellefonte Borough to fund shared-ride transportation for borough residents age 60 and older who lack other funding sources; the borough initially earmarked about $16,000 for the remainder of the year and will pay PennDOT-approved shared-ride rates less rider copays.
The Center County Board of Commissioners on June 27 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Bellefonte Borough Council to fund shared-ride transportation for borough residents age 60 and older who lack other funding sources.
Dave, Center County transportation staff, explained the borough will subsidize trips through the county’s shared-ride service. "They agree to pay a 100% less the co pays, for this, effective today," he said, adding fares are set by PennDOT and that riders will pay a $5 copay each way.
Why it matters: The MOU formalizes billing and funding processes between the borough and county transportation office and aims to help residents who need transit to get to work or other destinations. Dave said Bellefonte has earmarked roughly $16,000 to cover the last half of the year and the borough will reconsider emergency supplemental funding if the allocation runs low before year end.
Bellefonte Borough Council member Debbie Cleat, who co-chairs the task force, thanked county staff and expressed confidence the program will benefit residents. She said the service area will extend up to about 50 miles in any direction, potentially covering much of the county, and reminded residents that a Bellefonte postal address does not necessarily mean they live inside borough limits.
Commissioners asked about expected ridership; Dave said early estimates are a few dozen riders initially, noting his office had previously served about 700 Bellefonte residents through other county transportation services. He also said staffing levels are currently adequate but staff may request additional on-call positions later to cover vacations and service growth.
The board moved and seconded the MOU approval and carried it by voice vote.
For residents seeking service, Dave suggested calling the transportation office at (814) 355-6807 or signing up through PennDOT’s FindMyRide (findmyridepa.gov).
