Schuyler expands Dial-A-Ride bus service

SCHUYLER COUNTY—County Administrator Tim O’Hearn announced at the Schuyler County Legislature regular meeting, March 14, that the public transit system has started an expanded on-demand bus service for county residents.
The county bus service has been providing Dial-A-Ride, a call-in ride request to be picked up at their place of residence, for people that have a qualified medical condition. Now the service is expanded to anyone in Schuyler County. O’Hearn went on to say the demand and viability of the public transit system since its inception last year has made this expansion possible.
Dial-A-Ride transportation service to Watkins Glen and Montour Falls was formerly available only to persons who completed an application and qualified for this service under the Americans with Disabilities Act or through a contract agency.
Riders are required to make a trip reservation with Schuyler County Transit by calling 535-3555 at least one day in advance. General questions regarding available transportation services may be directed to Schuyler County Mobility Manager Amber Simmons at Schuyler County Transit.
Dial-A-Ride service is available Mondays and Fridays, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Tuesdays between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; and Wednesdays, betwen 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Fares range from $2 to $4 for each boarding depending on pick up location.
“A planning committee will continue to advise us on existing needs and additional opportunities for coordinated services,” said O’Hearn.
Paratransit transportation service for individuals with disabilities to medical offices and facilities in Corning, the Elmira area, and Ithaca for non-emergency medical services continues to be available to Schuyler County residents who qualify as having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who are approved through a contract agency.
A prequalifying application is still required for these services. Applications for eligibility may be picked up at 203 12th St. in Watkins Glen, at the Schuyler County Office for the Aging at the Human Service Complex in Montour Falls, senior housing complexes in Schuyler County and on the Schuyler County Transit Web site, www.schuylercountytransit.org.
In other business: The legislature approved the appointment of three youth representatives to the Schuyler County Youth Board for the term of March 1, 2011 to Dec. 31, 2011. They are Ashley Tieppo, Melanie Megan and Katelin Pierce.
The legislature also approved a cost of living adjustment for the district attorney salary with Dennis Fagan and Barbara Halpin casting dissenting votes. There will be a public hearing on the issue April 11.