NORWICH – Concerns over the future of public transportation in Chenango County were brought to light at a transportation summit hosted by the County Department of Planning and Development on Wednesday.
The summit was an opportunity for the leaders in local human services organizations to network with nonprofits and private businesses that specialize in transportation, and learn about the opportunities available to local residents. Those who attended the event at the Classic Car Museum in Norwich agree that the lack of transportation in Chenango County has created barriers for a number of programs and organizations that serve the community, making it difficult for people to obtain essential services.
Planning department consultant and event organizer Steve Palmatier said the issue is a reoccurring theme for organizations throughout the county.
“I have been attending several United Way council meetings, talking about needs and issues in the county; and one thing that kept coming up was the issue of transportation,” said Palmatier. “What I have discovered is that there are a lot of programs being run that people can take advantage of but they aren't aware of.”
The summit featured representatives from Mobility Management of South Central New York, Mobile Life Transport, First Transit of Chenango County, Cars and Credit, and the Retired Senior Program (RSVP). A state sponsored program entitled “511 NY Rideshare” was also discussed.
Trip DeCordova, owner of Cars and Credit in Norwich, was first to speak. DeCordova’s business offers car loans to individuals who wouldn’t qualify for a loan through a bank or credit union, giving them a chance to re-establish their credit and obtain a mode of independent transportation.
“There’s a great deal of need for an inexpensive car for people can’t get credit,” said DeCordova. “We have found that there’s a need in Chenango County for people to have a reliable way to get to a job, but there isn’t enough public transportation. So we try to work with people who need independent transportation.”
For those in need of a ride but can’t afford a car, Mobility Management of South Central New York may be able to help. Jack Salo, Executive Director of Mobility Management, said the organization serves Chenango County but many people don’t know about it.
Mobility Management is a coalition of transportation services and health and human service organizations that advocate and improve coordination of transportation services. The organization’s “GetThere” call center (available at 1-855-373-4040) serves residents in the Norwich, Cortland, Ithaca, Sidney, Binghamton, and Sayre areas. Its “Connection to Care” service is also available to rural area residents. Connection to Care partially or fully covers the cost of transportation to health-related services for individuals who are in financial need.
For individuals in need of non-emergency medical transportation, Mobile Life Transport in Sherburne is an option. Jeff McDermott, owner of Mobile Life Transport, said the company has grown since its inception in 2011. “Before we started, we found that a person in a wheelchair could not get anywhere in this county without spending a ridiculous amount of money,” he said. “So we started (Mobile Life Transport) ... As we grew, we found there was a real need for this kind of service.”
RSVP, a subsidiary of Opportunities for Chenango, might also be an alternative for individuals to make it to medical appointments and other essential services. RSVP is a volunteer-driven organization that connects people in need with organizations that can help. Rides may be available by calling 336-6414 ext. 103.
Still, many county residents rely on First Transit, a private bussing company in Norwich. That service, however, has become less available due to recent financial challenges, explained First Transit General Manager Paul Dougher. Facing lost revenue that resulted from state-wide changes in transportation for people on Medicaid, the company was forced to cut many fixed routes last year as it no longer receives vital state subsidies to keep up with operating expenses.
“In October, 2012, the State Department of Health stopped funding the county (Department of Social Services) for non-emergency transportation,” Dougher said, explaining that that decision is what led to many of the transportation issues currently plaguing rural areas, including Chenango County.
Subsidy cuts for First Transit forced company stakeholders to cease operations in nearby Tioga County in November. While the company still offers some fixed routes in Chenango, it is operating in the red, said Dougher.
The transportation industry is now lobbying lawmakers in Albany to have the decision reversed or modified, said Dougher. “We’re not alone in this. This isn’t just Chenango County that is facing these problems,” he said.
“When those (state) funds were pulled, it severely compromised our rural public transportation systems to an extent that services are being cut,” added Salo. “Tioga County lost their system and other counties are in jeopardy. That effects the whole population, not just the Medicaid population. It’s everyone who is being transported on that public transit system.”
Palmatier explained the 511 Rideshare program is also an available alternative for people affected by the lack of public transportation. The program works with local jurisdictions to encourage travelers to use its online database as a form of organized carpooling. More information about the program is available by calling the Chenango County Department of Planning and Development at 337-1640 and by visiting 511nyrideshare.org.
The Chenango County Planning Department is looking into the likely formation of a transportation subcommittee to continue addressing the issues of public transportation in the area.