NORWICH – Concerns over the future of public transportation in Chenango County were brought to light at a transportation summit hosted by the County Department of Planning and Development on Wednesday.

The summit was an opportunity for the leaders in local human services organizations to network with nonprofits and private businesses that specialize in transportation, and learn about the opportunities available to local residents. Those who attended the event at the Classic Car Museum in Norwich agree that the lack of transportation in Chenango County has created barriers for a number of programs and organizations that serve the community, making it difficult for people to obtain essential services.

Planning department consultant and event organizer Steve Palmatier said the issue is a reoccurring theme for organizations throughout the county.

“I have been attending several United Way council meetings, talking about needs and issues in the county; and one thing that kept coming up was the issue of transportation,” said Palmatier. “What I have discovered is that there are a lot of programs being run that people can take advantage of but they aren't aware of.”

The summit featured representatives from Mobility Management of South Central New York, Mobile Life Transport, First Transit of Chenango County, Cars and Credit, and the Retired Senior Program (RSVP). A state sponsored program entitled “511 NY Rideshare” was also discussed.

Trip DeCordova, owner of Cars and Credit in Norwich, was first to speak. DeCordova’s business offers car loans to individuals who wouldn’t qualify for a loan through a bank or credit union, giving them a chance to re-establish their credit and obtain a mode of independent transportation.

“There’s a great deal of need for an inexpensive car for people can’t get credit,” said DeCordova. “We have found that there’s a need in Chenango County for people to have a reliable way to get to a job, but there isn’t enough public transportation. So we try to work with people who need independent transportation.”

For those in need of a ride but can’t afford a car, Mobility Management of South Central New York may be able to help. Jack Salo, Executive Director of Mobility Management, said the organization serves Chenango County but many people don’t know about it.

Mobility Management is a coalition of transportation services and health and human service organizations that advocate and improve coordination of transportation services. The organization’s “GetThere” call center (available at 1-855-373-4040) serves residents in the Norwich, Cortland, Ithaca, Sidney, Binghamton, and Sayre areas. Its “Connection to Care” service is also available to rural area residents. Connection to Care partially or fully covers the cost of transportation to health-related services for individuals who are in financial need.