September 11, 2009

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit to Reduce Service for Medical Transportation

York, PA – rabbittransit's announced today that it will be reducing its services for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) effective Monday, September 14, and will only be able to provide transportation for critical, life-sustaining purposes. MATP is a specialized Department of Public Welfare transportation program which is part of the curb-to-curb paratransit service.

rabbittransit has been able to continue transportation service for the first two months of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, thanks in part to the continued cash flow from the transit trust fund provided by Act 44. This will not be the case as the transit authority moves through the month of September.

“Many of the community’s needy, who depend upon paratransit services the most, will soon be without them,” comments rabbittransit Executive Director Richard Farr. “We urge the legislators who continue to search for answers to solve the Commonwealth’s budget impasse to work diligently as it is critical to the health and well being of York County’s community.”

The reduction in this service will leave over 350 individuals without transportation to medical appointments each day, the equivalent of 7,500 trips each month. As the regular flu season approaches and the nation steels itself for the advancement of the H1N1 virus, many riders may be without access to critical vaccines or preventive measures.

Currently, rabbittransit’s fixed route system, funded through PA ACTA 44, has not been affected and continues to operate at full service.

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.