Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hundreds of Elderly & Disabled Residents in Omaha-Area Lose Access to Affordable Transportation

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Hundreds of elderly and disabled residents in the Omaha area will lose access to an affordable transportation program starting Monday.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging provides the rural transportation program for residents who live outside urban areas.  Officials learned in mid-May that some areas should no longer be served by the program, according to federal guidelines defining what constitutes urban.  The program is funded in part by federal grants.

Dennis Loose, who heads the aging office, says the elderly and people with disabilities are the primary users of the program. He notes that nearly 90% of current riders will no longer be eligible for the program that has been running for over 30 years.

The state transportation department says it's exploring solutions.  Service to the newly ineligible patrons ceases on Monday.