Resident tells commissioners she is homebound as Metro routes shrink; county pledges follow-up

Jessica Scully, identified by the clerk as a public commenter, told the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 17 that a shrinking Metro route network and paratransit eligibility rules left her effectively homebound for 18 years.

Scully described repeated missed opportunities to attend medical appointments and family events because she lacks reliable transportation. "I have been homebound for 18 years because I have no transportation," she said, adding that she receives services through Hamilton County DDS but has not received help with transit access.

Commissioners and county staff responded. A commissioner said the administration would look into the specific transit needs Scully described and that staff would follow up; a county chief of staff (or chief of staff designee) offered to meet Scully in the hallway after the meeting to address next steps.

Why it matters: Several commission comments and subsequent discussion show county officials view paratransit access as a persistent problem affecting seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Public commenters’ personal accounts prompted a direct commitment from staff to review Metro's service changes and the county’s role in connecting eligible residents to rides.

County administration described Metro’s service changes and said staff would assess how Metro can assist the resident and identify county follow-up options. Commissioners noted the county’s desire to ensure veterans and residents dependent on transit can get to medical care and essential appointments.

Next steps: County staff committed to follow up directly with the commenter and to evaluate what Metro and county services can do to bridge gaps for paratransit-dependent residents.