Cobb to Offer Transport Vouchers to Disabled Residents

The Atlanta Regional Commission recently awarded Cobb County Department of Transportation with $528,850 in federal funding to support development of a voucher program for disabled residents.

Officials said the funding will be used to reach disabled residents, between the ages of 18 and 59, who live outside Cobb Community Transit service areas.

The Board of Commissioners cut the three bus routes and associated paratransit routes in July 2011. The cost for the three regular and paratransit routes per year is $3.1 million. Four hundred and sixty-three paratransit riders were affected by the cut.

“We have a long list of persons already identified who fall in this category and are so pleased to be able to offer some assistance to those who face transportation and mobility challenges on a daily basis,” said Laraine A. Vance, transportation planning manager.

The funds are a portion of the $3.3 million awarded by the ARC to 11 recipients which operate transportation programs or transit routes that serve individuals. Those individuals do not drive because of age, disability or because they cannot afford a car.

The funding is part of the Federal Transit Administration’s grant program and is distributed annually.