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BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — In Berwick on Tuesday, there was talk of the first investment in transport in decades.
Health and transportation officials highlighted Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget that would invest an additional $282.8 million to increase the availability of public transportation.
Officials say half of the patients receiving dialysis treatment at Fresenius Kidney Care use the carpool service provided by Rabbit Transit, which would otherwise leave them with other transportation options to get to life-saving appointments. It is said that there is no.
“The importance of local transit cannot be overstated. It’s not just a mode of transportation, it’s a way of life,” said Richard Farr, executive director of Rabbit Transit.
The governor’s budget proposal could increase access to public transportation in rural Pennsylvania and beyond.
The bulk of the investment will go to ride-sharing services.
“Approximately $37 million of the Governor’s proposed investment will contribute to carpooling by facilitating driver delivery, education opportunities, employment opportunities, and patient delivery to health care opportunities across the state.” “We will,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
From 2022 to 2023, medical trips accounted for nearly half of all ride-sharing services in the state. The need is even greater in rural counties.
“In our rural county, almost half of carpool trips are for medical purposes,” Farr said.
Fresenius Kidney Care Clinic facilitates dialysis treatments and other comprehensive kidney care. Berwick clinic manager Kelly Schrader says the carpool service is helping save patients’ lives.
“And without that, if you don’t have a ride, you’re cutting your treatment short and if you miss treatment, you could end up in the hospital or worse,” Schroeder explained.
The proposed transportation budget and the rest of the state budget are expected to be submitted in June.
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