Expanding Transportation

Across the region, stakeholders have consistently highlighted expanded transportation options as a critical need. While services like Medical Assistance Transportation Programs exist, they often come with strict eligibility requirements, limited flexibility, and can be cost-prohibitive. Many of these options are centered around specific locations, focus mainly on professional services, and frequently overlook the need for natural support networks.

Currently, transportation options can create barriers for individuals in recovery, with many services ending by late afternoon, following limited routes, or being prohibitively expensive for those requiring customized services. To address these challenges, we plan to expand our resource guide to include a full list of available transportation options and will pilot three new models designed to improve access in both rural areas and urban centers. By doing so, we aim to empower more individuals with the essential support they need to build sustainable, recovery-centered lives.

 

BeST Transportation

BeST Transit is a rural multi-county public transit agency situated along the northern tier of Pennsylvania that services 2,750-square miles.More than three decades ago, BeST Transit (EMTA) began as a volunteer-based transit clearinghouse in 1980 that matched volunteer drivers to transit-dependent users.

BeST Transit employs approximately 60 drivers based out of facilities in Athens and Mansfield. BeST Transit also has a call-center in Williamsport, Pa. where reservationists assist consumers with their respective trips.

BeST Transit buses and minivans travel approximately 1.9 million miles annually.

Service Routes:

Blossburg Camptown Canton Dushore Elkland Lawrenceville Mansfield North Towanda, Sayre Towanda Troy Valley Wellsboro Wyalusing Wysox
Limitations may apply as BeST Transportation serves specific counties on designated days. For details on hours, costs, and available services, including additional weekend services, please visit gobesttransit.com.

Additional Services Provided:

Mondays: Coudersport (Tioga Co. only); Broome, Chemung and Tioga counties in New York, including Vestal, Binghamton, Nichols, Owego, Elmira and Horseheads.
Tuesdays: Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, including Montrose, Scranton, Tunkhannock and Wilkes-Barre; Lycoming, Union, Montour and Northumberland counties, including Williamsport, Lewisburg, Danville and Milton.
Wednesdays: Lycoming, Union, Montour and Northumberland counties, including Williamsport, Lewisburg, Danville and Milton.
Thursdays: Lycoming, Union, Montour and Northumberland counties, including Williamsport, Lewisburg, Danville and Milton; Steuben and Chemung counties in New York, including Corning, Bath and Elmira.
Fridays: Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, including Montrose, Scranton, Tunkhannock and Wilkes-Barre.

Goal Identified

During the coming year, The Recovery Hub for Region 8 will work to build upon existing transportation options, and when feasible, partner with existing systems to expand the affordable options available for transportation to support recovery, including, but not limited to, work, recovery support meetings, shopping, childcare access, and recovery-supporting social connections. The Hub Team intends to facilitate the development and pilot of three models for expanding access to transportation; and evaluate the benefits for consideration in various communities in the region.