The Aging & Disability Resource Center is here to help people remain independent and living in their own home through services and information. One of the challenges we regularly see an aging population face is that of transportation. Currently in Green County, the ADRC operates a shuttle service that brings people into Monroe from the various smaller communities as well out to Madison, Janesville, or Freeport, but we also recognize that many times getting around your own community or to other smaller communities may be a challenge. Therefore, in 2016, the ADRC has partnered with Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to help us understand and learn about the needs of Green County residents in our rural communities. This study comes at a perfect time as the ADRC is also exploring the possibility of starting up a rural taxi-like program on the Hwy 69 corridor to better serve residents in Belleville, Monticello and New Glarus.

How Could a Taxi-Like Service Work?

Our idea is to offer a taxi-like service one or two days a week for riders to go anywhere within Monticello, New Glarus or Belleville, as well as between any of those three communities. This would not be a ride to Monroe. Riders would call for pick-up as needed with their destination and the dispatcher would give them an approximate pick up time. This service would also be open to residents of any age.

So What’s Next?

This idea is still in the development stage, and days, hours, and costs, as well as the overall feasibility of this service are still being examined. What is really important to the ADRC right now is hearing from community members in Belleville, Monticello and New Glarus. We have developed a survey for you to fill out and share your opinion with us. If you live in one of the three communities with potential of receiving this service, watch your mailboxes for a colorful survey to arrive in the very near future. Please take a few minutes and answer our simple questions, then drop it off at one of our local drop off points to ensure we get your feedback or take it online right now: http://svy.mk/1Y34F2X. Local drop off points include: New Glarus Village Hall or New Glarus Home—Green Room; Sugar River Senior Center, Belleville; Monticello Public Library.

We also invite you to attend a local community meeting in an open forum discussion about the possibility of this service. You may attend any meeting that fits your schedule. On Monday, July 11, 2016, a meeting will be held at the Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E. Lake Avenue, Monticello, at 2:00 p.m. A meeting in Belleville will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at the Sugar River Senior Center, 21 S. Vine Street, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The meeting in New Glarus will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the New Glarus Village Hall, 319 2nd Street, in the Community Room.

If you have questions or want more information about the possibility of a taxi-like service in these communities, please call the ADRC at (608) 328-9499.