News

DOOR COUNTY INTRODUCES NEW DOOR TO DOOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

June 10, 2010 -- One challenge that Door County has faced over the years has been the absence of low cost, accessible public transportation for its residents and visitors.  A true public transportation system, that citizens in more urban areas tend to take for granted, has simply not been available or affordable – especially if that citizen requires transportation in a wheelchair.  That challenge could be addressed as early as this summer by a new shared ride program that is being introduced thanks to a partnership between the County of Door and Door-Tran.  

In 2009, the County of Door collaborated with Door-Tran (Door County Transportation Consortium), a group of concerned agencies and citizens, to develop a shared ride program within the county that will be handicap accessible and affordable for all.  Door-Tran rose to the challenge and along with the County, has developed a public transportation system, named Door 2 Door Rides, which will offer a wider range of transportation options for residents and visitors alike.  

“It is our intention to eventually grow this program from the initial 3 mile radius (from the center of Sturgeon Bay) to include other Door County communities,” explained Roger Tepe, Director of the Door County Department of Social Services.  “This program will not only serve individuals who have physical challenges, but will be an affordable, safe, and clean transportation option for all.  The ultimate goal is to provide convenient public transportation for all of Door County.”  

The County of Door recently contracted with Abby Vans of Neillsville to provide the transportation portion of this project.  Door 2 Door Rides will start off with 2 brand new specialty vehicles.  The vans will be wheelchair accessible; and drivers will have experience and training to assist passengers with special needs – whether they are in wheelchairs or simply students needing a ride home from soccer practice.  

“Abby Vans Inc. is built on the philosophy that every person should be treated the way you would want to be treated - with dignity and respect,” commented Mark Jones, owner of Abby Vans.  “This philosophy is the backbone of Abby Vans to this day.  The transportation services we provide are a vital link to goods and services making for healthier, more productive communities.  We are pleased to partner with the City of Sturgeon Bay and the County of Door in this new transportation system!”  

Federal and State grant funds will allow Door 2 Door Rides to keep their rates at a low $3.00 per adult ride; with a ½ price fare at $1.50 for seniors, persons with disabilities, or children age 3-18.   This is a flat fee rate per stop, regardless of distance traveled within the service area.    At present, persons requiring wheelchair transportation have to schedule all trips well in advance. With Door 2 Door Rides, these individuals can arrange a ride within 30 minutes of their call.  

Door 2 Door Rides will operate Monday – Friday 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. / Saturdays 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.  No service on holidays is planned at this time.  

Door-Tran has chosen local marketing agency, Boettcher Communications, LLC, to oversee branding and advertising initiatives for the Door 2 Door Rides program.  A new logo, website, and ad campaign are being developed to promote this new form of public transportation.  

“If all goes as planned, we’ll be serving our first Door 2 Door Rides customers this August,” added Pam Busch, Door-Tran’s Mobility Manager.   “This program has been the collaborative effort of many different agencies and individuals.  We’re all very happy to see it come to fruition.”  

For additional information on the Door 2 Door Rides program or other Door-Tran initiatives, visit www.door-tran.com or contact Pam Busch directly at (920) 743-9999 or (877) 330-6333.