Paratransit services expand with ‘Access219’
GPTC anticipates the demand to grow due to aging baby boomers
The Gary Public Transit Corp. is rolling out three new paratransit buses with a new name and mission.
GPTC officials and Gary Mayor Jerome Prince unveiled one of the 14-passenger buses Wednesday emblazoned with a new name, “Access219,” to recognize the 10 Lake County communities served.
GPTC marketing director David Wright said the new brand reflects transportation and mobility for riders unable to use GPTC’s fixed route bus system.
Clay Cates, GPTC general manager, said the agency launched the “Access219’ moniker to broaden its ridership. He said the shared ride service affords an option for people who can’t navigate the traditional service along bus stops.
“GPTC anticipates the demand to grow due to aging baby boomers,” Cates said. It won’t be marketed strictly as a service for disabled individuals.
Disabled senior boomers are often reluctant to seek assistance. He said many don’t like to recognize their diminished capabilities.
“This will be more of an origin-to-destination service,” Cates said.
Access219 service is provided during the same days and hours as the fixed route service, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. One-way trips within Gary are $2.50 and $4 outside of Gary. ADA paratransit multiple ride passes are available for $50 for 20 local rides and $48 for 12 nonlocal multiple rides.
GPTC has been providing paratransit service since 1992, two years after Congress established the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“Over the years, GPTC has developed a loyal ridership,” said Cates. “We’ve cultivated partnerships like Everybody Counts,” he said in reference to a local disabled rights advocacy group.
Teresa Torres, executive director of Everybody Counts, said her group appreciated the
gentle psychology of Cates’ remarks concerning baby boomers. “This is for everybody,” she said. “We’re proud of the wonderful relationship with the people at Gary Transit.”
Prince said it’s important to realize the opportunity to serve entire communities.
“This will enable us to enhance service for seniors, who are less than able, out on a path that’s uniting to all Northwest Indiana.”
Wright said the three Ford buses, which cost $273,000, serve Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Calumet Township, Griffith, Hobart, Merrillville, Crown Point, Highland and Munster.
After the ribbon cutting, Torres took a trip on the wheelchair lift that carries passengers on board.
“Paratransit is the access to life for many people,” she said.
For more information about the service, contact 219-884-6100, Ext. 106.