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Council on Aging reports 20% ridership jump and outlines grant reporting plan
Summary
Council on Aging representatives reported a 20% increase in transit ridership, added drivers and vehicles, and asked commissioners to accept the pass-through grant report; commissioners asked for quarterly reports for the grant record.
Michelle and Leah Coup of the Council on Aging told commissioners that the county transit program's ridership has increased about 20% year over year and that the program has added drivers and vehicles to meet demand. Michelle said expanded service hours have improved access to employment, school and care destinations and that fares remain modest: $5 for 0–9 miles, $10 for 10–20 miles and $15 for 21–30 miles each way.
Leah, introduced as the council's marketing and communications coordinator and an assistant, described growing usage for employment trips, well-being trips and rides for the Amish community, which staff estimated represented about a quarter of riders. Michelle said the county acts as a pass-through grantee for a state grant that funds Council on Aging operations and transit; commissioners requested that Michelle bring quarterly reports to be entered into the record to satisfy State Board of Accounts requirements.
Commissioners voted to enter the presented transit report into the record and thanked staff for the progress. Michelle said the transit program has eight vehicles (five minivans and three transits) with wheelchair accessibility and that staffing had expanded to meet demand.
Why this matters: Increased transit ridership suggests growing demand for county transportation services, particularly for low-income riders and seniors who rely on affordable, accessible trips for jobs and medical appointments. Regular reporting will provide transparency for how pass-through grant funds are used.
Next steps: Michelle will coordinate with the State Board of Accounts about reporting expectations and return with the requested quarterly report for commission acceptance.
