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Carthage, IL – Hancock County residents will soon have more transportation options when going to the grocery store or a doctor's appointment. Starting June 1, the Hancock County Public Transportation System (HCPTS) goes online.
HCPTS was created due in part to survey results that were asked of residents shortly after a new dental clinic opened. In it, many said their biggest problem was getting to and from services offered in the county.
Hancock County Health Department administrator Teresa Beeler says that got the ball rolling back in 2004. The department sought funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation, which will give the county roughly $60,000 a year for the next three years.
The Illinois Childrens' Health Care Foundation will also help has guaranteed a donation. Also, the area agency on aging and mental health facilities in the county will use the service. That means the money they normally put toward patient transportation will now be transferred to HCPTS.
Several townships have committed to donate, and Beeler says the county will continue to seek additional sources of revenue. She says no tax revenue will be used. She says the start-up funding is now in place, and county residents can begin signing up for rides on May 17.
HCPTS will offer curb to curb and door to door service. Door to door is generally reserved for the elderly and/or disabled who cannot embark or disembark at the curb.
A portion of the system's operations will be funded by fares, which are as follows:
- Children age 5 and younger ride for free. Seniors age 60 and older can ride for a donation, but are not required to pay.
- Adults and children between the ages of 6 and 59 will be charged $2.00 for a one-way ride within a Hancock County municipality, and $3.00 one-way between municipalities.
- Disabled passengers can ride for $1.00 one way within a Hancock County municipality, and $2.00 between Hancock County municipalities.
- Non-emergency medical trips to locations within two hours of Carthage can also be booked. The cost to ride to cities such as Macomb, Galesburg, Peoria and Iowa City is $5.00 one way, $10.00 round trip.
- HCPTS requires all passengers book their trips at least 24 hours in advance. "Last minute" trips will incur a $4.00 surcharge. Non-emergency medical trips must be scheduled at least two working days in advance.
Service will be provided on a first come, first served basis. The vehicles will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.