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Local service providers say Rabbit paratransit leaves riders waiting; group urges planning response
Summary
Joint Hands Ministry told the Perry County transportation work group that rapid transit and Rabbit paratransit leave many clients unable to rely on transport for employment or timely medical care; providers report clients waiting up to two hours between drop-off and pickup and say donated cars help only a few households.
NEWPORT / PERRY COUNTY — Social-service providers told the county transportation work group that current transit arrangements leave many residents unable to use transit reliably for jobs and medical appointments.
Brooke Hawes of Joint Hands Ministry said rapid transit ‘‘is not something someone can rely on for employment, and it's not something someone can rely on for medical.’’ She described clients who spend an entire day on transit trips and said, ‘‘they sit in our lobby for up to 2 hours before the ride can come back and get them.’’
The group discussed Rabbit, the region’s shared paratransit operator, which provides door-to-door rides. Hawes and others said routing and scheduling can yield long waits depending on pickup and drop-off locations; members noted that some riders are transported great distances for shopping or appointments outside the county, which raises cost and scheduling concerns.
Participants also reviewed local efforts to help residents secure vehicles. Hawes said Joint Hands has received a gifted car in the past two years but that donated vehicles are rare and ‘‘not a reliable thing.’’ The group cited Wheels for Women, a vehicle-donation program that offers free cars to qualifying women in surrounding counties, but said the program’s supply is limited compared with need.
Finnerty asked municipalities to investigate how neighboring counties manage similar services to identify operational improvements. No formal action or funding decision was made; members said Tri County staff can help compile regional service comparisons and prepare possible Picture Perry project entries to improve mobility coordination.
