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The Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission operates transportation services that serve area residents.
Getting rides to medical appointments, pharmacies and grocery stores is about to get easier for Rappahannock residents 65 or older and for those with disabilities.
Beginning Feb. 19, a new service called Rapp Connect will become available to people in those groups who need transportation. Free rides can be reserved Tuesdays through Saturdays through the Mobility Management program of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission.
Rapp Connect is geared to address one of the major challenges facing a growing number of people in the county. Since Rappahannock has no public transportation, those unable to drive to get medical treatments or do food shopping have had to rely on volunteer drivers arranged through local organizations such as Rapp at Home or VolTran. But there’s no guarantee that a driver will be available for every ride request.
That will not be the case with the new service. Rapp Connect rides will be scheduled on a first- come, first-serve basis, but once they are arranged, the transportation is guaranteed. That’s because the rides will be provided by a full-time driver under contract with the regional commission. Grants totaling $100,000, from the state’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the PATH Foundation will cover the cost of the driver and a dedicated vehicle.
According to Kristin Lam Peraza, the commission’s mobility manager, requests for rides from Rappahannock residents has been steadily increasing, and all indications are that the number will continue to grow as the population ages.
Rides, which will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, can be scheduled through the Mobility Center at 540-829-5300. They cannot, however, be arranged the day of an appointment. Also, no rides more than a two-hour drive away can be scheduled.
