February 24, 2017 at 1:55 p.m.
Northwoods Transit Connections offers mobility to rural citizens
On demand, appointment rides available for all ages
Northwoods Transit Connections offers mobility to rural citizens
What started out as a program for senior citizens and disabled individuals quickly opened to the general public throughout Oneida and Vilas counties.
"The goal of our organization is to give mobility where mobility has been lost to our community," transit manager Jim Altenburg said.
Funded through state and federal grants as well as contributions from both participating counties, the program offers rides by appointment and on demand.
This service is particularly useful on inclement weather days.
"We really want to partner with the two hospitals to help our community reach appointments," Altenburg said. "This is a big time need. You know what happens when four inches of snow fall? A mass group of our citizens think it's unsafe to drive and cancel doctors appointments."
This is not limited to senior citizens. Medical facilities in any location traditionally see a higher rate of cancellations on poor weather days.
"By doing that, we short change our hospitals' ability to provide help," Altenburg said. "So we really want to partners with our local hospitals and clinics to stop those cancellations on poor weather days. Leave the car in the garage, hop on a warm bus and get picked up at your door."
Currently the program provides transportation throughout Rhinelander, Eagle River and the Minocqua area. Longer trips between Eagle River, Minocqua, Phelps, Land O' Lakes, Three Lakes and Sugar Camp are available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Monthly stops in Pelican Lake and Nokomis will soon be available and Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters are on Altenburg's list of goals.
"The goal of the transit program is to get our rural communities like Presque Isle, Sayner, Boulder Junction," Altenburg said. "We want to get them at least every other week and give them the ability to get to Minocqua or Eagle River if they need something."
The program is also affiliated with various organizations throughout the two counties, such as the Minocqua Library and the Phelps Food Pantry.
"Any organization within our two counties that wants to make a difference, the transit program would love to partner with them," Altenburg said.
Contributions to assist in purchasing additional buses are being accepted as well. The program currently owns 13 buses, however the transit commission would like to replace three and purchase an additional three to help expand routes.
"I anticipate at the end of 2017, we should be somewhere between 40,000 and 48,000 for one-way rides for the year," Altenburg said. "Right now we have up to five buses a day in Rhinelander, two buses a day in Eagle River and Minocqua and we're looking at expanding to three buses in each of those two cities."
Passes for any locations are charged per ride. Senior citizens, disabled individuals and youth can ride for $1 per ride or purchase a monthly pass for $35.
The general public between the ages of 18 and 59 pay $2 per ride or $45 for a monthly pass.
Punch cards are also available for $18 for any individual and do not expire.
In the city of Rhinelander, senior citizens and disabled individuals may request a ride on demand, however the general public between the ages of 18 and 59 need to schedule a ride at least one day in advance.
"It's a little bit different here in Rhinelander because we have the shared ride taxi service," Altenburg said. "We take care of the general public but we have the one caveat they need to call ahead or they have to walk to a major thoroughfare where the bus is going by."
Altenburg added that individuals, regardless of age or ability, can always call ahead and schedule rides for their entire week.
"So they have options and it's good to have options," Altenburg said.
To schedule a ride or find out more information about the program, visit www.northwoodstransit.org or call 1-844-267-4762.
Jessica Leighty may be reached via email at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.