Persons with disabilities soon will be able to make use of discounted county transportation. Andrea Whyte, Wayne County Human Services Administrator, said Thursday that the new rate structure was approved by PennDOT and people may begin to apply for van pickup beginning Monday May 19.
The subsidized fare will require persons with disabilities under age 65, Lyle to pay only 15 percent of the fare based on mileage.
Senior citizens age 65 and up (with or without a disability) will still donate only $1 for the trip if it is within the county and $1.75 if out of the county. This has not changed. Anyone with a Medical Assistance card may take the van to doctor appointments at no charge.
Disabled persons under 65 were able to ride the van before, but paid a flat rate of $11.25. The Pa. Department of Transportation approved a change to the Shared Ride Program allowing the actual cost for trips to increase based on how far they go. The actual fare for traveling one or two miles will be $12; the person with disability (under 65 and having no Medical Assistance card) would pay 15 percent, or $1.80. The proposed actual fare to Scranton will be $20, or for the person with disability, 15 percent or $3.00.
Rides are provided on a prearranged schedule for shopping and appointments. The state funds 85 percent of the Shared Ride Program through Pennsylvania Lottery revenue.
The change was made to help the County recoup increased transportation costs, while better serving clients.
Whyte stated that the persons with disabilities may call 253-4280 to arrange pickup, starting May 19th. The rides should begin about two weeks after May 19th.
Other matters
• Rev. Michael Lyle, pastor of the 1st Presbyterian Church, Honesdale, was appointed to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board, to serve till 2011. “A man of faith would be a nice addition,” said Whyte.
• A contract was renewed with Northeast Counseling, which assists the County Children & Youth Services including counsel for troubled teens through an after-school program.
• Kelly Stine, Lake Ariel; Kathryn Taylor, Greentown and Thomas Fox, Peckville, were hired as caseworkers in the Mental Health office.
• Several private developments have contracted with Delaware Valley Air Sprayers to conduct aerial spraying for gypsy moth, mosquitos and ticks. The Commissioners were asked  to sign the plan acknowledging the program, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration. Developments having spraying done are Paradise Point Association, Sandy Shore Development, Woodland Hills Association and Rockledge Community Association.
Wayne County Commissioners meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Courthouse.