To the editor:
Access Brown County would like to thank the community for another successful year of serving Brown County residents.
In the two full years that the Brown County YMCA has operated the program, the numbers have continued to grow.
In 2014, 42,586 miles were driven. In 2016, 62,270 miles were covered. These miles are driven mainly through our service area of Brown, Bartholomew and Monroe counties.
In 2016, we had 4,758 riders, averaging 13 miles per ride.
Where is everyone going, you ask? A total of 1,403 riders went to work at a local business; 903 were for medical trips; 315 errands were run; 503 rides were to DSI in Columbus; 2,391 were senior rides; and 1,801 were other trips.
Part of the other trips were 350 guests in a wedding; shuttle riders for the wine festival; and more than 250 ghosts and goblins on Halloween were shuttled from Trick or Treat on the Trail.
Access Brown County is the only public transportation in the county and is available to every Brown County resident.
The cost to ride Access Brown County is $5 one way in county and $7.50 one way out of county. Tickets are available for purchase for your own use or to be given as a gift.
Thanks to Title IIIB grant money through Thrive Alliance, anyone 60 or over may ride for free, donations accepted.
We would also like to thank our donors from 2016: The Brown County Lions Club, Bear Hardware, Creekside Retreat, Brown County Community Foundation Morel Sale, Jackson Township Trustee, Hamblen Township Trustee, Van Buren Township Trustee, Community Closet, Brown County Health Center, St. David’s Episcopal Church Outreach, St. Vincent de Paul, Betsy Lease, Salvation Army, Brown County Commissioners, INDOT and various contributions from riders.
Please call dispatch 812-988-0185 to schedule a ride or ask questions. Dispatch hours are Mondays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesdays to Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The buses are available to rent after hours or weekends.
Kim Robinson, executive director, Brown County YMCA
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