The Morongo Basin Transit Authority has received an award from a state agency. Reporter Dan Stork explains how it was earned…
MBTA Chairman Jay Corbin accepted an award for “Outstanding Coordination Effort” from the California Association for Coordinated Transportations (CalACT) on behalf of the agency on May 15. The award recognizes the MBTA for providing coordination, technical support and a modest but critical level of funding to help fill the transportation gaps in the Morongo Basin that are not economically or conveniently served by conventional mass transit. Citing the MBTA’s Transportation Assistance Grant (or TAG) Program as an example of its proactive approach, Corbin said that, “The MBTA does not just run a traditional transit agency, we provide transportation solutions where needed.” Specific examples of what the MBTA has done include: helping Reach Out Morongo Basin acquire a badly needed replacement vehicle; helping the High Desert Medical Center get a grant from Caltrans to set up a medical transportation network; providing pass subsidies to Copper Mountain College and an adult literacy program; and providing funding for the County’s Trip Reimbursement Assistance Program, which reimburses for drivers willing to transport seniors and disabled persons for lifeline services when public transportation is not readily available. MBTA General Manager Joe Meer explained that CalACT is the state public transit association with over 300 members that focuses on the needs of small and rural agencies.
