Somerset County Transportation System

 

Program Description: 

The Somerset County Transportation System (SCTS) provides shared-ride, curb-to-curb service for Somerset County residents. The service is provided on a demand-response basis and is available in most of the county.  The transportation system provides services in local communities as well as trips from outlying areas into Somerset and Johnstown from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Currently there are 23 vehicles in the transportation system. Thirteen of those are equipped with a wheelchair lift or ramp. Vans are located at:

Central City	Confluence	Hollsopple
Meyersdale	Somerset	Windber

All passengers must bring the exact fare when riding. The drivers cannot give change. Payment is based upon an approved fare structure, which divides the county into 14 zones. SCTS transportation service is available to the general public at full fare. A separate fare structure exists for children. Free or reduced fare services are available to eligible residents. Programs that make the reduced fare possible are: 

·         Area Agency on Aging – Senior Citizens – After the initial interview and proving age, the individual will sign a Senior Citizen Identification Card and will now be eligible to ride the transportation system. Card must be shown to the driver every trip. 

o   Ages 65 and up – Will be issued a permanent, blue card. Pennsylvania Lottery funds will pay 85% of the rider’s fare regardless of the destination. Area Agency on Aging will pay the other 15% minus 25 cents if the trip is a priority trip. If it is not a priority trip, then the individual is responsible for the full 15%.

o   Ages 60 – 64 – Will be issued a pink card with an expiration date according to their 65^th birthday. Once expired, the individual will need to return to Tableland to get the permanent card. For priority trips, Area Agency on Aging will pay the rider’s fare minus .25 cents. For non-priority trips, Aging will pay 85% of the rider’s fare, with the individual being responsible for the other 15% of the fare.
             

·         Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – Any individual that is 60 years of age or older is eligible for transportation to a volunteer work site. Area Agency on Aging will pay 100% of the rider’s fare.
 

·         Human Service Development Fund (HSDF) – Open to those ages 18–59 that are low-income and live in Somerset County. HSDF funding will cover 100% of the rider’s fare to medical appointments, pharmacies, social services, grocery stores and senior centers.
 

·        Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) – Open to those who currently have an Access Card through the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). MATP will pay the costs for non-emergency trips to medical appointments and pharmacies. Trips must be planned in a cost-effective manner and no trips under ¼ mile will be allowed, unless the individual cannot walk that far. During the initial interview to complete the program eligibility form, Tableland Services, Inc. will determine the most appropriate means of transportation to and from scheduled appointments via: 

o        Van Service – Transportation provided by Tableland Services, Inc. vans. 

o        Client Reimbursement – Anyone with access to a private automobile can be reimbursed at the rate of 25 cents per mile for trips to get to a medical service from a provider that accepts the Medical Assistance card. Only one trip per day will be reimbursed, unless there is prior approval.

 

Eligibility must be established prior to service being provided. Drivers are authorized to transport only those for which reservations are made and only to stops scheduled. Trips must be scheduled at least one day in advance of desired service. Call by 3:00 pm the previous day. Seat belt usage is required. Drivers are not allowed to accept gratuities. 

A schedule of services is available from the Transportation Office.  Schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather conditions. No service will be provided on days when weather conditions are such that schools are closed. Also, service is not provided on evenings, weekends or County approved holidays.  

The system is operated in accordance with guidelines set up by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, under direct control of the Somerset County Commissioners, with Tableland Services, Inc. as the operating agency. The transportation system is operational through the Somerset County Commissioners, Somerset County Area on Aging, the Pennsylvania Lottery Fund administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, rider fares and contributions.

 

Eligibility Guidelines:

The program is open to all Somerset County residents at full fare. Reduced fares are available based on certain criteria.

 

Contact:   If you have questions or would like further information on the program, please contact:                                         

Transportation Department		(814) 445-9628
		(800) 452-0241

                                                                                              

Welfare to Work
Transportation Program

 

Program Description: 

Provides transportation to work and from work as well as child care for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and low-income families:

Transportation to and from Work - provides transportation to and from work. Must have exhausted funds from the County Assistance Office. Transportation provided via:
 

Van service via Tableland  transportation

Taxi reimbursement

Shuttle / van pools

Volunteer reimbursement for use of their vehicle

Shared rides with co-workers

 

·         Driver’s Education Training Classes – Class provides tutoring for the written exam as well as hands on behind the wheel training. It runs one day a week for four weeks.

 

·         Classroom Training on Basic Vehicle Maintenance – Information will include:

Information on purchasing new and used vehicles	Emergency, safety, and theft protection procedures
Maintaining, rotating, and changing tires	Checking various fluid levels
Oil changes	Importance of insurance
And more...

   

·         Vehicle Repair – With two estimates, program may pay up to $500 towards vehicle repair. Must have exhausted funds from the County Assistance Office.  

 

Eligibility Guidelines: 

Those applying must be currently working and (1) be a TANF eligible family or (2) be at or below 235% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines with a child under 18 years of age.    

 

Contact: 

If you have any questions or would like more information on the program, please contact:  

                                    Annette Dively    (814) 445-9628 (ext. 232)