ASHEBORO NC – A local transit agency in Randolph County has received funding from the state to help provide free rides to those who have no way to get to their vaccine appointment.
Approximately $2.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funding was being distributed to local transit agencies across the state to help pay for rides for individuals who need transportation assistance to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic is everybody’s business and every organization has something they can do to help,” said DOT Secretary J. Eric Boyette in a joint press release. “We are committed to doing everything we can to help get North Carolinians vaccinated as quickly and easily as possible.”
Of the $25 million, Regional Coordinated Area Transportation System, (RCATS) in Randolph County received $48,390. “Partnerships like this are crucial to make it possible for everyone to be able to take their shot when it’s their spot,” said DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, MD.
Based out of Asheboro, RCATS provides public transportation service to all Randolph and Montgomery County residents on an advance reservation basis. “We have been working with the local health departments to ensure that when they speak with citizens about setting up their vaccination appointments they also ask if they will need transportation assistance”, said Tawanna Williams, Transportation Director for RCATS in an email to Randolph News Now. “If they indicate that assistance is needed they are advised to contact the RCATS office at 336-629-7433 or 910-572-3430”. All trip requests must be scheduled at least three working days in advance.