Barry County seniors and those with disabilities can get financial aid for Barry County Transit fares when they have non-emergency medical needs in neighboring counties, Director Bill Voigt announced Tuesday.

 

A grant from Area Agency on Aging and Carewell Services will pay the $45 an hour transit fare for trips to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Voigt said. The grant does not apply to the reduced $1 to $1.50 fares for seniors.

 

No financial disclosures or vetting is required, so the use of the funds by seniors is on the honor system. The grant is intended to help only those who truly cannot afford the higher fares.

 

Using the new program is as simple as calling the transit to arrange it, Voigt said.

 

The transit provides transportation to seniors and those with disabilities at a 50 percent discount. Coming soon, the transit will offer a Universal Reduced Fare Card to seniors and those with disabilities that lets them ride in transits in neighboring counties, with the discounts they offer, without having to apply at each of the other transits, he  said. The area covered by the universal card includes transits in Ionia, Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Kent counties; they will be available soon at the transit office.

 

Also, Barry County Commissioners recommended approval by the full board of Voigt’s intent to apply for state, federal and local funds for transportation services by the transit for fiscal 2019.

Federal government funding is estimated at $290,879 and estimated state funds of $616,319. Local funds will be $754,945, with total estimated expenses of $1,576, 818, Voigt said.

 

Voigt will also apply for $1,673,000 in federal and state capital assistance funds to replace 14 eligible buses, although it is not likely that that many replacements will be funded. Replacing buses is done using age of the vehicle, miles driven and percentage of the bus fleet eligible for replacement, he said. Total amounts of all requested grants will be $2,580, 218.