There’s a new transportation route coming to Mitchell County.
Beginning Nov. 1, Mitchell County Public Transit will operate a fixed route in Sprue Pine. The first pick up is slated for 6 a.m.
“We see people walking on Hwy 226 to Walmart on a regular basis,” said MCPT Director Sheila Blalock. “It’s not safe. It’s a dangerous highway with no sidewalks.”
The new routed, funded by a grant from the National Rural Tranist Assistance Community Rides Program, will provide free transportation to riders for the first year to areas including popular shopping centers.
The route, known as the Pine Line Shuttle, will cover the Wagonmaster, Deer Park Apartments, Walnut Avenue Apartments, Canipes (in town), Ingles, Grassy Creek (US Cellular), Walmart, Mineral City Heights, and Mayland Community College.
The shuttle will run from 6 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Pre-COVID, the MCTA was transporting about 1,019 passengers weekly.
“We now average about 216 riders on our current county routes,” said Blalock.
For many Mitchell County residents, the transportation vans are lifelines to grocery stores, physician offices, and pharmacies. Before COVID-19 forced the shutdown or reduction of in-person services at the Senior Center, the transit system provided transportation for seniors who depended on the Senior Center for socialization.
“Currently our senior center is open only for drive up activities, serving drive through meals along with home delivered meals,” said Blalock.
“Human services centers being closed for inside activities has impacted us greatly, as the numbers show. Doctors offices are now doing telemed visits. People are not traveling, and shopping like they were two years ago. We may never transport the number of passengers that we did two years ago. Our world has changed. But we also realize the importance of transportation. Many people, especially the elderly, depend on us for their transportation needs.”
With 19 drivers, 4 full-time, Blalock said they are currently hiring additional part-time drivers.
“We have excellent drivers that are caring people with good driver skills and excellent customer skills,” said Blalock. “We practice all COVID safety procedures. Drivers and passengers must wear a mask. Masks are available if you do not have your own. We have barriers between the driver and passengers. We try to keep air circulating. We sanitize at the end of every shift. We ask passengers not to ride the van if they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms.”
The new route will provide regular stops and help people in high-demand areas. Residents interested in riding the van can call MCPT at 828-688-4715.