Limited Rural Transit Options

By Matt Riiska

Our long-awaited summer season is going quickly. The WIN weekend was another success, the Chamber Music Festival had a terrific season, and although the weather did not always cooperate, there were plenty of days to enjoy Tobey Pond and just relax outside.

So now it’s back to business.

One issue that we are working on is the lack of a consistent rural transportation system. Norfolk is served by two systems, the Northwestern CT Transit District and the Rural Independent Transportation Service (RITS). The Dial-A-Ride, operated by the transit district, is a curb-to-curb transportation service open to the public throughout northwest Connecticut. The service operates for Norfolk residents on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, providing transportation service to Torrington and Winsted on a first come, first served basis. Individuals call the Northwestern CT Transit District for reservations. This sounds simple, but for many it is not so easy. Callers have frequently been told that the bus is full or that another passenger’s destination requirement does not match theirs so they cannot use the service.

The RITS program is operated by Northwestern CT Transit District, Geer and EdAdvance, partnering with the Northwest Hills Council of Governments to provide expanded service to the elderly and disabled for nonemergency medical trips. If someone needs a ride to a medical facility for nonemergency treatment (e.g., dialysis, radiation, burn treatment, pulmonary rehab), they can call the transit district 48 hours in advance of the medical appointment. Again, as well intentioned as this program might be, residents of Norfolk who have tried to use it have had a difficult time.With all of our efforts to provide affordable housing, and with the number of individuals who live in town who could use a ride to get groceries, go to a doctor’s appointment, or to meet another need, our current system is not working. At one time we had the Bee Line. Originally organized by the Norfolk Lions Club, the Bee Line was a transportation network that allowed individuals to call in and organize a ride to an appointment using a pool of volunteer drivers. Norfolk then acquired a used bus from the town of Colebrook that would make regular trips to grocery stores and to riders’ other appointments. Because of budget cuts and the age and condition of the bus, this service was also eliminated.Going forward we need to review our needs and establish a system that can better serve the community. Your input is appreciated.