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Extended bus transportation in Washington Township  Share
Last year the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) presented to its board 43 planning, operating and capital projects - culled from 62 submitted - that were recommended for funding. RTA is allocating over $18 million in federal, state and RTA funding to support innovative projects that will increase transit usage, provide multi-modal connections, improve efficiency and effectiveness of local transit, improve access to jobs, and help to increase mobility for seniors, people with disabilities and the general public. Transportation providers, including Washington Township were invited to apply for grants through four planning programs. Washington Township was required to provide a certain percentage of the total project cost. Washington Township will receive a $30,000 matching grant that will benefit the local senior residents with specific attention directed towards the disabled by changing the existing two-day schedule to a five-day schedule from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Friday, August 21, local and state officials attended a celebration at Washington Township Center, 30200 Town Center Road in Beecher.
Supervisor Bob Howard began the ceremony by saying that the intent of extending the bus transportation service from two days a week to five days a week is primarily to help the disabled residents of Washington Township. And, that this endeavor could not have been accomplished without the assistance of the state, county and village. The main goal was to acquire handicapped accessible buses, not old police cars that would hinder a disabled person from accepting the transportation. Director Pat Peters then said that just recently, a 101-year-old veteran was transported to Manteno Veteran Home because he was looking to live there. She thanked everyone for their assistance to make this dream come true. Not only is the project assisting seniors and the disabled, it also aids veterans who also need the service. Washington Township Senior Transportation became a reality with the assistance of an RTA matching grant. Letters requesting donations from businesses and elected officials were recently sent out. State Representative Lisa Dugan said she and Supervisor Howard are also addressing the issues of the veterans in the district who cannot get senior transportation to receive medical treatment. She said she hopes they can work in conjunction with the Kankakee area Veterans. With that, she handed Howard a personal check for $500. She said she is proud to work with groups that set their goals and go after them. State Representative Anthony DeLuca commented that the senior transportation is a big issue in the area, and this (RTA grant) couldn't have happened at a better time. Senator Toi Hutchinson's representative at the August 21 celebration, Reba O'Pere, said she has been told by veterans that after they fought for this country, they feel forgotten because they can not find transportation to doctors appointments and how important this service will be. And, in some cases may even save someone's life. Jenelle Brown from RTA said the list of projects recommended for approval is now available for public comment by visiting http://rtachicago.com. And, the comments do assist organizations in receiving grants. Bob Barber from the Village of Beecher said anyone living in Beecher knows that many seniors are holding on to their driver's license a lot longer then most of them should have. This is a great opportunity for the seniors to remain independent but not risk their life to keep an appointment. Jim Rehborg commended everyone for their accomplishments in getting the extended hours for the Senior Transportation. Coffee and cake was then served. Barb Dorman is a reporter for Russell Publications.
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