SUBURBAN TRANSIT NETWORK, INC. CHOSEN FOR SHARED RIDE PROGRAM

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 7 – When Gov. Ed Rendell announced last week that the state's subsidized rural shared ride transit program was expanding, Montgomery County's Suburban Transit Network, Inc. became one of the six newest providers to be able to offer the service, announced state Sen. Connie Williams.

 The program, which allows people with disabilities to have better access to jobs and health care, started in 2001 and with this year's expansion, will be in operation in 49 of the 67 counties that serve more than 77,000 people.

 Under the program, qualified riders enjoy discounted fares.

 "This represents a new and valuable opportunity for people living with disabilities," Williams said. "Once this program begins, it will make using Suburban Transit Network an even better way for people with disabilities to get to jobs and doctors appointments, and to complete routine chores, such as grocery shopping."

 A $4.8 million line-item was included in the Commonwealth's 2006-07 budget for the program. The increase will allow for program expansion in Montgomery, Chester (Krapf's CPS, Inc.), Franklin (Franklin County Integrated Transportation System), Lebanon (County of Lebanon Transit Authority), Lehigh and Northampton (Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority) counties. It is estimated that this will provide service for an additional 10,000 people.

 The department will work with each of the providers to determine how much will be needed to begin the service.

 "Pennsylvania has an obligation to all of its citizens and that includes ensuring the needs of people living with disabilities are not marginalized," Williams said.