GREENFIELD — An organization that provides transportation throughout Hancock County is getting four new vans.
Bob Long, executive director of Hancock County Senior Services, said the incoming 2019 Dodge Caravan minivans will bring the organization’s fleet up to 13.
Senior Services and its affiliated transit service, Hancock Area Rural Transit, usually have 11 to 12 vehicles available to transport clients. The nonprofit agency, however, has had to take three aging vehicles out of service in the past year.
The fleet’s vehicles age quickly due to the large number of short-run trips they make every weekday, Long explained.
The new minivans will be modified to comply with INDOT’s standards of wheelchair accessibility.
Vehicles that the organization currently operate have wheelchair ramps that fold down. The new vans will have easier-to-access ramps that slide out of the bases of the vehicles, Long said.
The four new vans cost a total of over $150,000, Long said. Eighty percent of that amount will come from an Indiana Department of Transportation funding program, while the remaining 20 percent will be made up from a local match. Among the contributors are the Hancock County Community Foundation, OrthoIndy Foundation, NineStar Connect and city of Greenfield.
Long expects to acquire the vehicles by early to mid-April and that they’ll be on the road shortly after they arrive.
He anticipates seeking another four vehicles for the organization for next year.
Senior Services’ fleet ran about 180,000 miles last year across almost 23,000 trips, Long said.
Drivers are licensed through INDOT and go through extensive training.
“We’re really proud of their record of serving people as well as their track record of providing service and doing it safely and passionately,” Long said.
About 70 percent of the organization’s transportation customers are age 60 and older. Those clients pay a donation at their discretion for rides to destinations like doctors’ offices, banks and law offices. Less essential stops cost a $4 fare.
The organization’s transportation services are available to those under 60 for $4 per stop as well. Hancock County Senior Services and HART ask those in need of a ride to schedule at least 24 hours in advance. The transportation line is 317-462-1103.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Hancock County Senior Services’ new vehicles
Four 2019 Dodge Caravan minivans
Pull-out wheelchair ramps
Vinyl seats
$151,372
80 percent funded through INDOT, 20 percent local match
[sc:pullout-text-end]
