The 12-passenger bus that will soon be the centerpiece of a new community transportation system for the Jordan-Elbridge community was delivered last Friday afternoon to Elbridge Town Hall. Elbridge Councilor Rita Dygert said she was excited to finally have the vehicle
“I’m thrilled. It’s like Christmas,” Dyget joked as she inspected the bus. “This will provide such a valuable service to seniors and the disabled in the community. I can’t tell you how grateful we all are to Senator DeFrancisco.” Senator John DeFrancisco secured an $47,000 grant for the purchase of the bus. Dygert said through Governor David Paterson’s new freedom fund for transportation the group may be able to secure more money that could pay for a full-time driver or scheduler. One of the biggest obstacles now will be to organize the system and round up volunteer drivers. The seven-member transportation committee met again Tuesday April 14 and is currently working on writing up bylaws and establishing rules for riders. Also on hand to inspect the new bus Friday were Senior Outreach Coordinator Mark Grasmeyer and J-E seniors Shirley Drummond, Louise Livingston and Shirley “Honey” Somes and her husband Bart. The bright white exterior will eventually display the name of the transport system, Bush said, once a name is settled on. He suggested Eagle Express; other ideas being considered include “JETS,” for Jordan-Elbridge Transportation System. At the Elbridge Town Board meeting Wednesday April 15, Dygert announced the board and transportation committee hoped to have the system up and running by July 1.