NORWICH – Chenango County Planning and Development officials held an informational seminar on Tuesday about its new volunteer driver program, and how that program could benefit Chenango County.

The meeting was held at 2 p.m. on November 6 in the Chenango County Office Building, and according to Chenango County Planner Rena Doing, the event was held to discuss the development of the program.

According to documents presented at the meeting, the program has raised $43,838.58 in private funds and 291 individuals have already been served. The document also laid out a plan for how the process of Getthere works.

The document states interested drivers will complete an application, out of the interested drivers some are selected and trained, then when a client calls into the call center they are vetted through the programs intake process, and a driver is sent out to the call.

"Our staff members guide callers through case management services to fully understand and meet each individual's unique needs," states the document. "The Getthere Call Center serves as a starting point for many who have few transportation options including seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who are geographically isolated."

It adds that drivers have the option to accept the call, and if they do they're reimbursed with bi-weekly mileage.

"Most rural people, most of the time, must travel log distances to access essential goods, services, and employment," states the document. "Living rural should not equate to being disadvantaged because of a lack of access to essential services and opportunities."