Center’s van on the road again
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
ELKINS - There has been good news and bad news lately when it comes to transportation for senior citizens in Elkins.
The bad news is Ozark Regional Transit has cut its Elkins route.
"Elkins doesn't fund us anymore," said Kendall Luallen of ORT. "We rely on funding from local governments."
Elkins Mayor Jack Ladyman said he doesn't remember the city contributing any funds to Ozark Regional Transit.
"We might have done it before we had a senior van. I just don't know," he said.
Jennifer Watkins, director of Elkins Senior Center, said she had heard the ORT no longer runs in Elkins. She had good news for seniors though. The center's van will no longer be idle but hitting the road each Tuesday and Wednesday. It had been parked several weeks due to having some budget constraints.
"We need to resume transportation services for our seniors," Watkins said. "Let's put the rubber to the road. If you are 60-plus and need to go to Fayetteville for a doctor's appointment, shopping, visiting friends, get hair done or whatever, we can take you."
Watkins said a $ 6 donation will cover the cost of a round-trip fare.
Watkins said she did need advance notice if at all possible.
"A couple of days notice would be good."
She did add that whether the bus goes to Fayetteville or not will depend on the number of riders.
"If we have at least three we can probably do it. "
Watkins said the center's van might get the spill over from ORT scratching its Elkins route.
"I haven't heard from anyone yet but we might get some riders due to it."
Luallen said ORT still has its routes to and from Greenland, West Fork and Winslow at $ 2. 50 per trip, $ 5 for a round trip. If there are several stops, it could cost additional, Luallen said.
For more information on ORT call 1-800-865-5901, ext. 2 for call center.
To book a ride on the Elkins Senior Citizen van call 643 2741.
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