EMTA/LIFT information

EMTA/LIFT Information

December 11, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMTA BUS ROUTE SERVES EDINBORO UNIVERSITY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

Thanks to a partnership among Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Student Government Association, Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA), and the Borough of Edinboro, students and regional citizens will be able to ride shuttle buses on campus and throughout the community. The new service will begin on Monday, January 12, with two 18-passenger shuttles.

“This is something that our students have envisioned for some time,” said Edinboro University President Frank Pogue. “I am pleased that EMTA is helping Edinboro University to meet this important need for both the campus and community.”

“One of the key initiatives of the EMTA board has been to increase our presence in the rural areas of Erie County,” said Dennis Solenski, EMTA Executive Director. “As a result, this is EMTA’s #1 initiative this year. We envision this new service will contribute significantly to social and economic development in the Edinboro community.”

The bus service will assist the University in addressing parking needs while also responding to student interests in transportation on and off campus. At the same time, the surrounding community will have access to transportation services never before available in the Edinboro area. The service is free to University students who will be able to shuttle to and from classes during peak hours. This free service extends throughout the EMTA system for Edinboro students. Edinboro faculty and staff and surrounding community members who wish to use the shuttle service will be charged a nominal fee of 50 cents each way. Plans call for frequent stops on and off campus, and for routes traveling to the Giant Eagle Plaza and Wal-Mart located in the Washington Town Center. As service and parking needs change, additional routes may be added.

In the future, this collaboration may also bring employment and professional experience opportunities to Edinboro University students. EMTA plans to employ students as drivers and to offer internship programs in areas such as marketing, business development and planning.

Edinboro University Student Government Association President Dan DiNicola says the effort has generated a great deal of excitement on campus. “More than 100 students participated in our contest to name the shuttle,” said DiNicola. “Students are looking forward to being able to jump on a shuttle between classes – particularly during the winter months.”

A route launching and ribbon-cutting event, including a ceremonial “first ride” will take place on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:30 a.m. in front of the University Center. Media coverage is invited for this ceremony which will be followed by a reception in the University Center.

CGH

Founded in 1857 by Scottish settlers, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania has grown to become the largest comprehensive university in northwestern Pennsylvania. Edinboro proudly celebrates its Scottish heritage every spring with the Edinboro Highland Games and Scottish Festival. The University offers a summer study abroad program in Scotland where President Frank G. Pogue and other University guests were greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.

The University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and enrolls nearly 8,000 students in 100 academic undergraduate and graduate programs. Edinboro is ranked among the nation’s top ten universities for its services for students with disabilities. To learn more about Edinboro University, visit our website at www.edinboro.edu.

emta/lift transportation program expands transportation options for persons with disabilities in the rural areas of erie county

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority/LIFT transportation Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) announce a new program designed to improve mobility for persons with disabilities that live in rural sections of Erie County. EMTA/LIFT is a "shared-ride" program, meaning participants share a ride going to nearby destinations. This new service became available on March 1, 2003.

Under this program, anyone in Erie County under the age of 65 and with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may qualify for subsidies to ride EMTA/LIFT's door-to-door, shared ride service at discounted fares.

Persons with disabilities registered in the program are able to ride EMTA/LIFT anywhere in Erie County for rates starting from $2.20 per one way trip. Rates vary based on the distance traveled. Time schedules for EMTA/LIFt vary in each area. Schedule information can be obtained from the EMTA/LIFT Administration office.

To find out more information on how to apply and register for the program, call EMTA/LIFT Administration office at 814-455-3330, toll free 800-323-5579, or TDD 814-453-3472. Information and applications will be available soon on the LIFT's web page at www.emtalift.com.

E-mail general questions or comments to edinboro@edinboro.net
E-mail questions or comments about the site to mlander@edinboro.net