Four Counties Transportation Services is trying to get some more riders for next year. In operation since 1992, the service provides rides to seniors and disabled persons in West Elgin, eastern Chatham-Kent, Southwest Middlesex and Newbury. The expenditures for the program as per the 2019 budget was a little over $84,000, $76,000 of that was covered by various revenue streams. In 2018, about 45 individuals used the service. Southwest Middlesex Deputy Mayor Marigay Wilkins sits on the FCTS board, and says it’s a smaller group of residents who use the program, but it’s of significant importance to their life.
They’re also required to purchase a new bus for 2020, which their lowest estimates peg at $90,000. The budget lists a little over $81,000 in reserved. Wilkins says among other things, gaining ridership is one way they hope to cover the ground. FCTS is making various local council presentations in hopes to get the word around.