Fixed-Income Widows Lose Shuttle Transportation
 

Many of us do not have to worry about getting to the grocery store or doctor's office or other places of necessity to us. But, there are some Villagers who depend on the Sumter County Shuttle to get them where they need to go.

This service is extremely cost-effective and is most helpful to widows on fixed income who, for many reasons, do not have an automobile or golf cart.

While it may seem strange that there are Villagers who do not own golf carts...it is true.

Well, it seems that the county is about to discontinue the shuttle service for these residents. They will have to use the Villages' Transportation Riders Service to get from place to place. This will prove to be extremely costly. A trip that used to cost .50 will now cost $8.00. Imagine how that increase will effect the quality of life for those passengers.

Not only have the needs of the riders not been considered but when the riders called the county to speak to the commissioners they were treated as if they being ridiculous for complaining about the loss of the service that had proven to be so helpful to them.

Were they being discounted because they were older seniors and their voice no longer counted? I wonder...

I do not ride the Sumter County Shuttle. I own a car and a golf cart. However, I realize that my days of health and strength may be limited. There may come the time when I am no longer able to drive and would need an affordable means of transportation.

It would behoove all of us to consider 'do unto others as we would have others do unto us."

Hopefully, somone of character and integrity will look into this situation.

Thanks for reading this.

I certainly can see where the loss of this shuttle service will make life very difficult for many people. Not everyone one in The Villages is wealthy even moderately so. When I was working I met many who lived week to week where a spouse passed away and their income was cut in half and they could barely afford to make ends meet. While none of think we could ever be in such a situation many of these people never did also. I hope something can be done to keep a valuable service like this going or replace it with something comparable. At least in a case like this I would feel my tax dollars were going for something to help others.

How many people that own property and rent their property in The Villages, pay the tax to Sumter County? If everyone that owned, rented, and paid their fair share, I have to wonder, if there wouldn't be sufficient funds for this worthy cause.

FYI: We own and rent the house in The Villages and pay our fair share. It's not only the law, it's the right thing to do.

Perhaps our airport transportation company would consider a taxi service for this? Just a thought.

I agree with you. We also pay our fair share. It is the right thing to do!

Thank you. I have epilepsy. I can't drive a car or a golf cart because of meds. My meds aren't free either. Times are getting scary.

It sounds as if the Sumter County Shuttle provides an important option for seniors.
It might be helpful if someone could post an email address for the County Commissioners.

Not absolutely sure this works but St. Timothy R.C. Church may have volunteer (free) drivers who would help such a person out. Contact that church for more info.

I know it is not their responsibility, but maybe The Villages should step up to the plate, as a good will gesture. This would be only for qualifying adults, widowed or divorced.

Much needed service
 

Since this is a retirement community, it seems that there would be more services provided for those who were Unable to get around on their own. It's a tough situation for probably more people than we know. I was at Publix this morning and walking along side me was a lady who was elderly. She was moving rather slowly and perhaps a bit unsteady. I walked along side her to make sure she got across the parking lot ok and when it came time for her to navigate the curb I suspected it would be quite difficult for her. I asked her if I could assist her In stepping onto the curb in which she replied "that would be nice". She thanked me. I thought about her shopping in the store alone and wished she had assistance. If we had a service that could pick up people and take them to the store, doctors appointments, etc and drop them off right in front so they wouldn't have to walk far, it would be really great. After all, none of us are getting any younger.

And we could start a "club" (organization) of volunteers that could volunteer a few hours a month to do just that! Pros, cons? Input?

http://fl-sumtercounty.civicplus.com...Home/View/3290

Has a 229 page document of the County bus or shuttle transportation plan. It is required by state law and is very comprehensive. It includes costs and utilization. In 2012 the average cost per passenger was almost $20. The local government (county) picks up 55% of that cost. The utilization of the services are down 20% since 2007 which is the earliest data shown. This is despite the increase in population in the county. There is a contract with a transportation provider that ends Sept 30, 2014 with optional 2 year renewals. The county is required by state law to have a system in place to provide transportation for Transportation Disadvantaged persons. That regulation has not been eliminated so there will continue to be transportation. I cannot find, although it may exist, any documentation that there will be change in the service or the cost in the near future. At the last reporting date, 2012, the fares collected only cover 3% of the operating costs. Where did the OP learn of a change in the base fare going to $8?

I would be very interested to see documentation that this service is ending and the reason why it is ending. The Sumter County website still has a full list of shuttle schedules and doesn't say anything about the service being discontinued.

I believe the OP said it would $8 to use , The Villages' Transportation Riders Service, point was the Sumter County Shuttle was VERY affordable for those especially on limited incomes and gave them the option of not having to rely on others thus be more independent. Many of the churches here do have ministries that help in these circumstances but I am thinking many people do not want to yet have to rely on others.

Sumter County, FL - Official Website - About the Commissioners

All information about each commissioner is available at this site.