Press Release MO RIDES Community Forum April 7, 2015 A panel of

Press Release
MO RIDES Community Forum
April 7, 2015
A panel of professionals responded to questions designed to illustrate the challenges faced by those
without transportation, and to showcase some of the options available in the five county region that
includes Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles and Warren.
Members of the panel included: Program speaker James Stowe, PHD, Washington University; Susan
Kallash-Bailey, ITNStCharles; Kathleen Block, NECAC, Montgomery County; Kristin Fox, Oats, Inc., East
Region; Rusty Lee, Lee Farms, Inc.; Pat McNiff, Ride Right, LLC/MTM, Inc.; Christy Minear, Car Share,
Ride Share, Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; Sue Perszyk, EMT; and Steve Schnelle, St. Louis Rehabilitation
Services for the Blind. James Stowe spoke about “ Profiles of Transportation and Aging.” In
expressing the increase in need for help with transportation he pointed out that by 2030:
1 in 5 Missourians will be 65+ ; Warren, Montgomery, and St. Charles counties about 1 in 4 (doubling
for St. Charles county) will be 65+; in Lincoln will be younger, about 1 in 6 will be 65+
The focus of the community forum was to promote a transportation referral service known as MO
RIDES. Mobility Coordinator Deana Tucker Dothage takes calls from people looking for a ride. Dothage
finds out where they need to go, then identifies companies that provide the service for their specific
situation. This often involves coordination between multiple transportation providers. MO RIDES
goal is to help people with disabilities, low income individuals and senior citizens get to work, medical
appointments, grocery shopping, social and more.
The community forum was held at Pitman Reception Center in Wentzville, MO. The event was made
possible by the leadership of Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, guidance of the Eastern Missouri
Transportation Coordinating Council, and grant funding from MoDOT and Missouri Developmental
Disabilities Council.