Liberty will stay in bus program

March 11, 2008 at 1:20a.m.

“We need the transportation, and we need it affordable.”

Linda Mairoana

Liberty township resident

Township residents had been paying the increased rate since March 1.

LIBERTY — Township residents who depend on the Niles Trumbull Transit System for transportation will continue to pay the reduced rate to use the service.

Township trustees, after hearing from residents Monday, passed a resolution to continue participating in the transportation program.

The township has participated since 2004, paying an upfront fee each year that allows residents to pay a reduced rate when using the service. The service transports residents, with prior notification, anywhere in the county for a fee.

The township paid $13,500 for the service each year from 2004 through 2006. With the passage of a countywide levy to support senior citizen services in Trumbull County, the township’s contribution was reduced to $6,750 in 2007 and 2008. Still, the township trustees were apprehensive about continuing in the program.

In a letter dated Jan. 16, the trustees sent a letter to the city of Niles opting out of the busing program.

Residents can use the program if the township doesn’t participate, but the fare for seniors goes from $1.50 to $2 each way and the fare for disabled riders from $1.50 to $4 each way. The general public would pay $8 instead of $4.

Township residents began paying the higher rider fees March 1.

County Commissioners Frank Fuda and Dan Polivka, during a regular meeting Monday, asked trustees to consider staying in the program, saying many Liberty residents use the service.

Information supplied to the trustees shows that township riders accounted for nearly 9 percent of the overall riders in the program — one of the top areas for riders.

Linda Mairoana, a township resident with multiple sclerosis who uses a wheelchair, uses the busing service weekly. She said many residents cannot afford to pay higher costs for transportation.

“For obvious reasons, I and other Trumbull County residents are in dire need of transportation. ... I cannot drive myself, and paying $4 each way means an $8 trip,” she said. “We need the transportation, and we need it affordable.”

Trustee Gary Litch said he was under the impression that the township would be responsible for the entire $13,500 as paid in the past. He said he was glad that trustees had the opportunity to see and discuss the reduced rate.

The board, after a brief discussion, unanimously agreed to continue participating in the program.

Trustee Jodi Stoyak said the board understands that the decision will make getting around a lot less difficult for township residents who otherwise might be stuck indoors.

“This really means the most for the disabled. They will get the discounted rate, and I am really glad about that,” she said. “I am very happy that the board was unanimous in passage of this.”

jgoodwin@vindy.com