United Way of Morris County News
Recent News

United Way of Morris County's Transportation Initiative
2004

United Way of Morris County has mailed Transportation Surveys to 249 Morris County government agencies and non-profit organizations in an effort to define the scope of transportation needs of Morris County residents. United Way of Morris County hopes that this initiative will ultimately lead to increased affordable and accessible transportation options to underserved members of our community.

The availability and cost of transportation services in Morris County has been identified as a barrier to achieving independence and self-sufficiency for senior citizens, people with disabilities and people with low incomes who live and work in Morris County. These individuals must rely on public transportation or supplemental transportation services in order to get to work, access essential medical and human services and/or simply complete essential daily chores, such as shopping.

"We recognize and greatly appreciate the excellent services that are already available to these populations," said John Franklin, CEO of United Way of Morris County. These include the Morris County Metro bus routes, the Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS), Municipal dial-a-ride programs and transportation provided by various non-profit agencies. "However, it has long been recognized that the availability of affordable and accessible fixed-route and point-to-point transportation services for these groups is insufficient to meet their large and growing needs," said John Franklin.

The survey requests information on transportation services currently available and/or required for the agency or agency's clients to access their offices or services. In addition to the Transportation Survey, United Way of Morris County has provided each agency with Consumer Surveys to distribute to its clients. Direct feedback from clients will help identify the gaps in services, as well as which groups and which areas have the greatest transportation needs. Results from the surveys will be available later this summer

United Way's Transportation Committee is collaborating in this effort with the Morris County Division of Transportation Management, the Department of Human Services, and other community partners in this effort. This may be the most comprehensive survey of its kind.

For questions regarding this initiative or the transportation survey, please contact United Way of Morris County at 973. 993.1160 and ask for Carol DeGraw at x128.