County facing short-term gap in rural transit; board calls for community-based volunteers and outreach
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Summary
After a regional provider ceased services, the county faces a 30-day gap in rural public transportation; board members discussed Danville Transit as a potential provider and organized a short-term volunteer/coordination plan through churches and social outreach.
County officials told the committee that a local rural transit service paused operations and that Danville Mass Transit and other potential providers are exploring options to assume service. Officials said Danville Transit would meet Jan. 20 to consider taking on service and that, if adopted, it could be at least 30 days before a transition occurs. "That 30 day gap is a problem we have right now," a board member said.
In response, the committee discussed an interim, community-driven plan: asking churches and nonprofits to publicize volunteer drivers and arranging a single contact point (identified in the meeting as Angel) to coordinate requests for medical and essential travel. Speakers proposed a county press release, use of social-media pages managed by local volunteers and an outreach list to help match volunteers with residents needing rides.
Board members emphasized neighbors helping neighbors—voluntary rides not tied to formal provider contracts—and discussed practical limits such as insurance and background-check considerations. County staff agreed to draft messaging and to coordinate with volunteer contacts and local media to get help to residents during the service gap.