County public transportation discussed at mayor’s breakfast

HARPSTER — A case was made for public transportation in Wyandot County at the mayor’s breakfast Tuesday morning at Harpster United Methodist Church.

Todd Dilley, chairperson of the Wyandot County Coordinated Transportation Coalition discussed the opportunity.

“We began the coalition on Oct. 4, 2007,” Dilley said.

“And this is the first real opportunity we’ve had in over 10 years to bring public transportation to Wyandot County. We are in no way trying to minimize transportation social services like the Wyandot County Council on Aging, but if you’re under 60 years old and you don’t have transportation, that’s a gap we have.”

Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot, Putnam Community Action Commission Executive Director Joshua Anderson discussed some of the specifics of the opportunity for Wyandot County.

“This is funding from the Federal Transit Administration specific to existing public transit systems like Hardin County’s HATS,” Anderson said.

“The grant for public transportation requires a local match in funding so if we don’t get a local match, the opportunity will pass us by.”

Anderson said about 40 percent of HATS is used for transportation to work, and he hopes local businesses will be willing to invest since one of the primary barriers to work in the county is a lack of dependable transportation.

Open Door Executive Director Scott Moore said public transportation also helps people avoid the cycle of needing money for a vehicle repair, but not having transportation to get to work to get funds for the repair.

Anderson added that public transportation would be on a first come, first served basis at first and the average cost of the service is about $2 per mile when the cost of vehicles, maintenance, gasoline and drivers is included.

Anderson stated that some of the matching funds could come from contract revenue as well, particularly from organizations that also provide transportation services like Wyandot County’s Job and Family Services, which currently has a contract with HATS for medical transportation.

“Public transportation has a huge impact on quality of life,” Anderson said.

“It helps citizens maintain active lifestyles and feel valuable in the community.”

To inquire about funding the program, contact Anderson at 419-423-3755 ext. 239 or janderson@hhwpcac.com or contact HHWP CAC Director of Development Erin Rodabaugh Gallegos at ext. 240 or erodabaughgallegos@hhwpcac.com.

By BRIAN HEMMINGER
Staff writer