Madison Twp. partners with CW for sr. transportation
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - December 31, 2009)
Senior transportation in Madison Township is taking on a new look in 2010 with a switch in partnering from Groveport to Canal Winchester.
On Dec. 30, Madison Township trustees Jim Hummel and Susan Brobst approved an agreement with the village of Canal Winchester and its Human Services department to provide senior/healthcare transportation to residents effective Jan. 1. To schedule service, township residents must now call 837-8276. The contract with the village runs through the end of June.
The township previously partnered with Groveport with Madison Township contributing $17,000 and Groveport funding $237,000 to pay for the senior transportation service in 2009.
In addition the township provided Canal Winchester $7,000 in fuel compensation for its senior transportation. Canal Winchester will continue to receive revenue for fuel, in addition to $2,500 allocated to Human Services for maintenance/administration and up to $8,500 for Canal Winchester to cover wage and personnel costs during the six-month period.
"Hopefully, this will run smoothly and we'll extend the contract after the initial period," said Brobst. "Medical appointments are our priority and, in addition to all other users, there are probably about two dozen people who are regular medical appointment users with ongoing scheduled medical needs. Shopping and other non-medical uses are available, but as time and transportation space is available at the discretion of Canal Winchester Human Services."
Groveport and Madison Township had partnered in the senior transportation program since 1996. But the joint program was not renewed due to budget constraints. Instead, Groveport will offer its own senior transportation program to serve village residents only and Madison Township will now partner with Canal Winchester for senior transporation services.
Brobst emphasized the township appreciated the opportunity to work with Groveport in the past with senior transportation and maintains a good working relationship with Groveport officials.
"We checked into Senior Options and the COTA program and while many of our residents are signed up, it takes three to four months to get through the interview process," said Brobst. "We needed a short term solution for our residents."
Program guidelines •According to client program guidelines, service is offered curb-to-curb at no cost to the client, who must be 60 or older or under age 60 with a physician's certification of disability. Drivers and transportation staff cannot provide assistance to and from the vehicle.
•Transportation for personal trips (shopping, volunteering, entertainment, etc) will only be accepted within the general service area-approximately 20 miles around the Canal Winchester School District. Non-medical standing appointments are not accepted.
•Medical and personal appointments should be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. If return transportation is needed, appointments should be scheduled early enough in the day so they are complete before 3 p.m., if possible. Drivers are on a tight schedule and unable to make additional, unscheduled stops.
•The transportation service is not available whenever the Canal Winchester School District cancels classes for weather-related problems such as snow, ice, or excessive fog. Weather delays will be handled at the staff's discretion.
•Riders must first complete and return a client information sheet and signed agreement before scheduling appointments. The senior transportation office sometimes receives more requests than can be accommodated, so clients are urged to make their reservation as far in advance as possible to ensure transportation.
