NEW LOCAL: Bus routes may be replaced

July 28, 2006

By Pat Litowitz
New Castle News


A New Bedford woman said cutbacks in bus service have left her stranded.

However, a cooperative effort between Lawrence County commissioners and a social service agency may pick up the spirits of county seniors, such as 83-year-old Mimi Edwards.

“I ain’t getting around,” Edwards said yesterday. “This has been the saddest day of my life. I feel like I’ve been put on an island.

“I miss that bus so much.”

Earlier this month, the New Castle Area Transit Authority slashed four routes. General manager Leonard Lastoria cited a lack of ridership in announcing the reduction of services.

The loss of the Villa Maria/Lincoln Knolls Plaza route, which ran Mondays through Fridays, has kept Edwards at home. She had used the bus service three to four times a week. Her favorite destination was the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Union Township.

As a senior, she rode the transit authority bus for free.

Allied Coordinated Transportation Services Inc. is working with the county to provide free bus service to seniors who need to pick up groceries. The cost to the county would be $5,400 to $5,500.

“I called Angie (Elias of ACTS) and asked her if anything could be done,” Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said yesterday during the commissioners’ work session. “I don’t care if it comes out of the county contingency fund or where it comes from.

“We’re crazy if we don’t do this.”

Traditionally, ACTS charges seniors 15 percent of the trip’s cost. Proceeds, made available through the Pennsylvania Lottery, pay the remaining 85 percent. Under the proposal, the county would pick up the rider’s share.

“Obviously, there’s contingency fund money there for this,” Commissioner Dan Vogler said.

If commissioners approve the proposal during their meeting Tuesday, Elias said the program could be in place by the middle of August.

“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Fosnaught said.