MOSES LAKE — People for People (PFP) is starting service between Othello and the Tri-Cities. The organization has also redone the Health Express schedule with service to Wenatchee. Both schedules start Thursday, Aug. 1.

“We base our decisions on route creations and changes based upon data collected from the Human Service Transportation Plan (HSTP) study results, PFP’s Mobility Manager outreach events, community partner(s) and customer feedback,” said Bob Walsh, Eastern Region Transportation Manager for People For People. “The need for individuals to see specialists where they are not available in their community is another factor used to determine where additional transportation support is needed. Filling in where connectivity gaps exist between other public transportation providers is another decision factor. ‘Can we bridge this void?’ is a question we ask when evaluating potential new services. The ability to offer safe and affordable transportation to individuals to get where they need to go year round is a priority in our new route decision factors.”

People For People has been serving the residents of Grant, Adams and Lincoln counties for 29 years.

“PFP services are open to persons with disabilities, seniors, youth, veterans, low income and the general public,” Walsh said.

Currently they offer fixed route services and provide paratransit services. In Grant County, those services are subcontracted by Grant Transit Authority. A WSDOT grant pays for the services in Adams and Lincoln counties.

“We also offer demand response services (curb-to-curb); these services must be booked at least one business day in advance,” said Walsh.

The new route to the Tri-Cities is being paid for by a WSDOT grant. Stops on the route will include Othello CBHA, Connell CBHA, JC’s Mesa Grocery & Deli, Lourdes Medical Center, Trios Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Richland Medical Center, WorkSource Columbia Basin and Three Rivers Transit Center. The service will run Monday through Friday.

The service will run the second and fourth Monday of each month. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of three reservations must be made for the service to run. On demand trips can be made on Wednesday and Thursday by appointment only.

The new Health Express Shuttle schedule will have stops at Moses Lake’s Confluence Health Clinic, Moses Lake’s Multimodal Transit Center, Columbia Basin Hospital, in Ephrata, Quincy Valley Hospital, Central Washington Hospital, in Wenatchee, Link Transit Columbia Station and Wenatchee’s Confluence Health Clinic.

Buses seat anywhere from 10-18 passengers. All buses are ADA accessible and compliant. Riding the bus is free.

“There is no fare required, however donations can be made to help with the cost of the service,” said Walsh. “For our fixed route services individuals need to be at fixed bus stops at the published time to board the bus. No call is required however; it is recommended to call our PFP scheduling department one business day in advance between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to ensure a seat on the bus. To reserve a request stop on the fixed route schedule runs, it is best that a call requesting this stop is received. It can also be made via a request to the driver upon boarding the bus. We also offer demand response services (curb-to-curb), these services must be booked at least one business day in advance.”

For more information about People For People, their services, the new route schedules or to schedule a ride, call PFP at 1-800-851-4204 ext. 555 or 509-765-9249 ext. 555 during regular business hours or email mlsched@pfp.org. They can also be found online at www.pfp.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PeopleForPeopleWA. Schedules are available on their website.

“Please contact PFP’s Mobility Manager Rosenda Henley if you are unsure as to how to access our services,” said Walsh. “Her contact information is 509-793-1906 or email rhenley@pfp.org or you can simply dial 211.”

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at rpinkerton@suntribunenews.com