July 18, 2019 - 12:23pm -- stewart.1818@osu.edu

In late 2018, seeing only the limited access to transportation in Noble County through eligibility-specific programs such as Veterans Services, Senior Services or the Medicaid program, but no general public transportation available, The Ohio State University Extension- Noble County Community Development program researched and shared the need for more structured access to public transportation to the Noble County Board of Commissioners.

Identified by The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) as one of only 27 counties in the state without public transportation services, and also identified by the ODOT Regional Transportation Planning Organization’s (RTPO) needs analysis and transportation opinion survey reports as lacking a coordinated transit plan or services, Noble County offered great opportunity for partnership. One partner, with Southeast Area Transit Authority (SEAT), who operates public transportation services in Muskingum and Guernsey counties offered to conduct a six-month Pilot Program in Noble County from January – June 2019, at no cost to the County.

The pilot program ended June 30 with 905 year-to-date individual on-demand trips and another 149 non-emergency Medicaid trips through a contract with Noble County Job and Family Services. However, SEAT leadership is still committed to providing services in Noble Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The pilot program ended June 30 with 905 year-to-date individual on-demand trips and another 149 non-emergency Medicaid trips through its contract with Noble County Job and Family Services. However, SEAT leadership is still committed to providing services in Noble Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Service within the Caldwell City limits is $4. Outside the city limits but within Noble County limits will cost $8. Service outside of the county is available; call for pricing.

It is easy to schedule a ride. Contact SEAT at 740-454-8573. Go online to seatbus.org for more details or like SEAT on Facebook.