Loss of agency funding threatens Campbell bus service for seniors

Staff report

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The city is going to have to discontinue bus service for senior citizens if it can’t find funds to keep the transportation program going.

The bus takes about 15 to 20 people to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store, said council President George Levendis.

Next year, the Area Agency on Aging is not going to give the city the $11,500 it gave last year to fund the bus.

Levendis said the city has sent letters to three nursing homes to ask if they would be willing to help fund the bus, but there have been no replies.

Levendis said the city actually needs $30,000 a year for the bus.

He said that in the past, Armstrong Cable and Aqua Ohio have helped with contributions.

Levendis said the city’s bus is in bad shape, and the council had been talking about writing for a grant for a new one.

“But what’s the sense if we can’t fund it?” he said.

The number of people using the bus has been declining, he said.

Levendis said Western Reserve Transit Authority service is one option for people, though there will be a minimal cost. The city’s bus is free.