Grant monies benefit STS shared-ride program

Senior citizens and people with disabilities will have easier commutes thanks to grant money from the state.

More than $6.8 million worth of grants have been awarded to the shared-ride programs in Schuylkill and 54 other Pennsylvania counties.

STS will receive $178,800 from the grant program. STS Vice President Dennis Zahora said the money will be used to replace three vehicles which have come to the end of their operational life.

The grants, awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, provide counties the funding they need to purchase vans or small buses, many of which are specially equipped for wheelchairs. The money, which includes state and federal funds, may also be used to acquire computer and communications equipment related to the shared-ride program.

The shared-ride program provides public transportation services at discounted fares to senior citizens and people with disabilities. The transportation services are operated by county governments, transit authorities, area agencies on aging and private companies.