County Board Supervisor Van Wanggaard sent over information about ITNRacineCounty, which offers a taxi-like service for local seniors. The Racine County Board signed a contract with ITNAmerica in December to create the service.
To use the service, seniors need to pay a $40 membership fee ($50 for families) and a certain amount per ride. ITNRacineCounty's website says the average cost is $10 per ride, which includes a pickup charge and a mileage charge. Tipping is not allowed. Low income seniors can apply for scholarships to help cover the costs of the service.
The program relies on volunteers and corporate sponsorships to provide rides to seniors.
Wanggaard described the new service as an affordable way to expand local transportation options. Wanggaard writes:
While other elected officials are tossing around ideas for new transportation systems with multi-million dollar price tags attached, my colleagues and I on the County Board, County Executive Bill McReynolds, and the County Human Services Department proactively worked to implement a program that delivers a valuable service to seniors at a very small up-front cost to the taxpayers. I am proud that instead of saying “It can’t be done” or “It can only be done with a large tax increase,” we worked towards an affordable transportation solution that will transform quality of life for our county’s seniors.For more information about ITNRacineCounty, visit: www.itnracinecounty.org or call (262) 664-1640.
Gee is this a campaign ploy.
ReplyDeleteActually it sounds really logical. It works elsewhere. Why not here. I know of more seniors giving up their cars not because of cost but ability to safely drive. Others know their skills are failing but fear loss of independence. Good idea if it works.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like a deal to me about $60.00 for the first ride, but than again it's there if they need it.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like a deal to me about $60.00 for the first ride, but than again it's there if they need it.
ReplyDeleteTo 3:19,
ReplyDeleteCompare the costs in the article to owning and maintaining a car along with insurance. For those seniors who have or are losing their ability to drive the independence is worth it. The cost appears to be pretty sustainable rather than all taxpayer funded. Again put yourself in the senior's shoes not yours.
great job Van
ReplyDeleteWhy can't our city council be as productive and fiscally responsible as our county board?
ReplyDeleteThis is old news! Besides, there is a specialized transportation system already in place for the elderly and disabled that costs them less per ride with no upfront cost.
ReplyDeleteIt is campaign time!.
This is a great idea and a SAFE alternative for our seniors. Many don't want to give up their independence and there aren't many alternatives to them out there. I like it that they would be picked up from their homes and dropped off at their doors. This city is not a safe place to walk around anymore.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't our city council be as productive and fiscally responsible as our county board?
ReplyDeleteIs it possible there are much higher incomes in the county than the city and a much less diverse population to serve? More money + less population + less diversity = easier job
$60 is not the cost for the ride but rather their 1 year membership and first ride. We have happy riders at ITNRacineCounty. There are other transportation services available but they are not 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. ITNRacineCounty is not in any way affiliated with Racine or Racine County.
ReplyDelete