Press Room: Press Releases

NOCOP contracts transportation services to Senior Transportation Connection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 6, 2008

NOCOP contracts transportation services to Senior Transportation Connection

Cuyahoga County:  Effective October 1, 2008 the senior adult of North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township who need transportation will be served Senior Transportation Connection rather than the North Olmsted Commission on Paratransit (NOCOP.)  The Board of Directors of NOCOP approved the 15 month contract at the September 17 meeting.    

The NOCOP communities have worked with the STC since 2005 by providing scheduling and dispatch services.  The service contract advances the partnership to another level – one in which the STC will employ the drivers, prepare daily schedules and take care of vehicle maintenance and insurance.   This is the second contract that the STC has negotiated to provide services.  They began serving Middleburg Heights in April 2008. 

NOCOP Executive Director John Dailey noted “The partnership with the STC is the next step in providing premier senior transportation services for those in North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us involved with senior and disabled transportation services. This partnership will lower fares for the riders, lower cost to the member communities and provide for increased and potentially expanded service to our riders. Everybody will benefit from this.”

Interested residents can call Senior Transportation Connection at 1-800-983-4782 (Relay 1-800-750-0750) for more information or to schedule their ride.  Riders can scheduled their trip up to 7 days in advance or by Noon the day prior.  The STC agreed to maintain fares for riders which are $1.00 within home community, $2.00 into another community, and $3.00 if out of the service area.  Transportation to a variety of locations is now available to residents, including: medical appointments, shopping, and socialization.

STC’s Executive Director Janice Dzigiel stated “The STC is pleased to have the opportunity to serve the older and disabled riders of the NOCOP communities.  We are committed to quality, safety and getting people where they need to go, when they need to go.” 

Senior Transportation Connection brings area communities together to coordinate senior transportation providing enhanced services to senior adults including expanded travel areas and extended hours. With the new passenger vans, the municipal and social service providers can provide more service to area seniors throughout the county.