The Point: Specialized Transit Program helps county’s most vulnerable residents stay mobile
For many of us, going to a doctor’s appointment, picking up groceries, or running other errands simply means hopping into the car for a short drive. For many others, it’s a logistical challenge, especially for seniors and riders with poor health or disabilities.
Measure A, the twice voter-approved half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in Riverside County, provides funding for specialized transit options to meet these needs. Through shuttles, vans, and other transport vehicles, these operators offer services that may not be met by traditional transit.
"This grant is a life saver!"
– Kim Gerrish, Executive Director of Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center
RCTC distributes Measure A grant funding to 15 non-profit and public agencies that provide a range of specialized transit services based on their clients’ needs.
Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center is one of the 15 specialized transit operators who receives this grant funding, which provides access to transportation for cancer patients receiving treatment. Founded in 2001, the center operates by the philosophy that no one should face cancer alone.
“This grant is a life saver!” said the center’s Executive Director Kim Gerrish. “People going through treatment don’t feel well and often times are unable to drive themselves to and from their treatment appointments. This program allows Michelle’s Place to provide a ride to those who have no other option to get to their appointments. We are so grateful for this grant and this opportunity to provide this resource,” Gerrish said.
EXCEED is another grant recipient, providing programs for adults with disabilities in the Hemet, San Jacinto, Banning, Beaumont, and Valle Vista areas since 1981.
“We are very pleased to be a partner of the RCTC Specialized Transit Program and to enhance the lives of adults with disabilities by providing opportunities for independence, development of mobility skills, and community integration,” said Sandra Aldridge, who serves as Director of Marketing and Resource Development for the non-profit agency. “Without this partnership, EXCEED would not be able to provide critical transportation services that can literally transform lives and help our clients become more independent in their effort to reach their maximum potential,” she said.
Here is a full list of Measure A Specialized Transit Program grant funding recipients.
For more information about the program, please email specializedtransit@rctc.org or call 951-787-7141 and ask for the Specialized Transit Program staff.