Bus Ridership Doubles Under Trehab Partnership

Judy Mead (above, second from left) chaired the Feb. 21 meeting of the Wyoming County Commissioners, as Commissioner Tom Henry had a speaking engagement at Lackawanna Trail High School.

Photos and Story by Rick Hiduk

On Tuesday morning, Wyoming County Commissioners Judy Mead and Ron Williams expressed enthusiasm over a recent transportation report from Trehab noting that ridership had more than doubled since the county partnered with the agency in 2014 to provide transportation services for senior citizens and people with disabilities in the county.

It has been a great improvement,” Commissioner Ron Williams remarked in reference to the county’s previous partnership with the Luzerne County Transportation Authority.

PennDot pays for 85 percent of trip costs for senior citizens of low to moderate income and also for those with disabilities. The Department of Human Services picks up the tab for those enrolled in the Medical Assistance Insurance Benefits Program. Other supporters include Interfaith of Wyoming County. Williams noted that the service is available to all seniors, though not everyone is eligible for all discounts.

The increase in ridership has resulted in the purchase of several new vehicles by Trehab. Williams added that the commissioners office has received many positive comments from riders about the courteousness of the drivers, who often help elderly riders to the doors of their residences.

They don’t just drop them off,” Commissioner Judy Mead concurred.

I’ve seen them carrying groceries out of the store for people,” Lori Faux, business office manager of the Wyoming County Special Needs Association, said of the drivers.

A number of Facebook users familiar with SWCT agreed.

Celeste Kranick of Laceyville noted that her son rides SWCT buses to Montrose three times per week. “They are very helpful,” she stated.

Prompt, dependable, affordable, and a priceless asset to Wyoming and Susquehanna counties,” John Fabiseski added.

They are efficient, punctual, and courteous. The drivers are quite friendly, and they remember everything about the passengers,” reported Michael Rudolf, a frequent SWCT rider. “The dispatchers who arrange your trips are wonderful, and if they aren’t really busy, they take the time to converse a little with clients. And the fares are incredibly reasonable.”

Mead, Williams, and Faux credited Trehab transportation program director Ronalyn Corbin for being especially effective at coordinating rides and routes, which can fluctuate daily.

Faux also asked the commissioners if there had been any response to the letter they drafted and sent two weeks ago to Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) deputy secretary Nancy Thaler. At that time, the commissioners expressed their concerns over the potential passage of new regulations aimed at day facilities and program providers for persons with disabilities. The changes would mandate that those participating in such programs spend 75% of their time in the community rather than in-house participating in workshops. Williams and Mead told Faux that there had been no response. Williams added that a similar letter was sent to OPD by the Lackawanna County Commissioners.

MHDS Reappointments

In other business, the commissioners approved the reappointment of Sandy Faux and Commissioner Tom Henry to the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Development Services board. It is believed to be Henry’s third term, and Faux has served on the board for more than 12 years.

EMA Promotion

Wyoming County 911 director Jeff Porter (below, right) was on hand to announce the promotion of Thomas Norris from telecommunication trainee to Telecommunication One status.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *