MOUNT VERNON — Transportation plays a critical role in Knox County communities, whether it’s by car, pedestrian, public transit, or some other mode. It allows residents access to health care, jobs, and other community services.
As part of the Knox County Mobility Advisory Committee (KCMAC), local stakeholders met over the past year to evaluate local transportation needs, strengths, and challenges. Their efforts resulted in an updated Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan that was submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation in November.
Initially developed in 2017 as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Federal Transit Administration requires the plan be updated to reflect changes in the FAST Act. Seniors, disabled and low-income individuals, health care facilities, businesses, municipalities, and veterans services made up the planning committee.
“The plan helps identify community resources for transportation and mobility,” explained Mobility Manager Susie Simpson. “It helps us understand what our gaps are in transportation, the unmet needs, and helps determine the approach in addressing those issues.”
A recent survey by Thomas P. Miller & Associates on behalf of Ohio Means Jobs Knox County reported that 51% of respondents were at a minimum somewhat impacted by transportation challenges relating to work opportunities.
Anecdotal evidence shows the time frames that need improved transportation are 4 pm to midnight and midnight to 8 am. These time frames indicate the need for access to public transit during evening hours.
A study by the Ohio Department of Transportation indicates that 1,169 families in Knox County do not own a vehicle (3.8%), and 2,890 families own only one vehicle. According to Census Bureau information, 6,263 individuals under age 65 in Knox County have a disability (10.3%). Additionally, 12.7% are below the federal poverty level.
“Coordinated plans identify the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and low income. The plan provides the strategies for meeting these needs and helps prioritize transportation services for funding opportunities,” Simpson said.
The top priority stakeholders identified is to gain community recognition of the county’s mobility management resource.
“After six years, people still need help understanding that I am not a part of Knox Area Transit. I am only housed in the agency,” Simpson said. “I am a problem solver and will listen and try to come up with a solution and work with the customer.”
The plan includes the following additional goals:
•Explore/create employer incentive transportation program
•Explore regional transportation options
•Continue to promote active transportation (walk, bike, ride public transit)
•Use technology to improve coordination of services between senior, veterans, hospitals, and nursing facilities
•Create bike lending or rental program
•Continue coordinated transportation planning by identifying community resources for transportation and mobility
“Finding funding to help people get to and from doctor appointments is very difficult. It can cost someone up to $175 to go to Columbus and back,” Simpson said.
“The other big challenge is having a county volunteer group to help folks who have no one else to help,” she continued. “Many seniors have retired here and have no family to help. We need a countywide volunteer program so folks can call and get help with shopping, medical appointments, and companionship.”
