Accident-free drivers for transit
Lifestyles Editor
The Haywood Public Transit service has been around for quite some time, but it’s always great to know that the service the public receives is a safe one.
Over the course of the year, the drivers, up to 16 in all, drove a total of 328,300 service miles and provided more than 53,000 passenger trips. Six drivers have had no incidents or accidents in 2006. The accident and incident-free drivers are Katherine Rathbone, Carolyn Mintz, Micky Kirkland, Patricia Parton, Al Hammar and A.J. Brown.
“We wanted to acknowledge the drivers who have had no accidents or incidents whatsoever all year,” said Susan Anderson, director for the Haywood Public Transit. “Not even a scratch or a dent on their vehicles.”
The transit, which is funded in part by both local and state government funding and supported by local fares, has 21 vehicles, which are also handicapped-accessible.
“The transit system is really a positive thing for those living at home who want to remain independent, but may not be able to drive,” said Anderson. “We do a lot of trips for medical appointments and shopping.”
Those wishing to ride the public transit system must call ahead to make reservations. The transit system is open Mondays through Fridays to the general public.
“It’s more of a coordinated transportation effort,” Anderson said. “We’ll go when we’re in their area, and we’ll tell them about what time we can pick them up.”
Generally, there’s a small fee, which ranges from $1 to $3 for local trips, however, the general public was able to ride for free in December, and this may possibly remain through January, said Anderson.
For more information, or to make a reservation, call 452-1447.
