Lanark Transportation is marking 25 years of helping people across Lanark County and Smiths Falls get to the services and appointments they need.
The grassroots, not-for-profit organization was created in 2001 by community members who recognized that living in a rural area could make it difficult for people without reliable transportation to access essential services. As ED Marilyn Bird notes, it all came from a small group of people looking to improve their communities.
It started with just two vehicles — one of them wheelchair accessible. Today, Lanark Transportation has grown to a fleet of 19 vehicles, including five accessible vehicles. It provides rides for seniors, people with disabilities, families and others travelling to medical appointments, food programs, counselling, day programs and social services. It also provides non-emergency transportation for people returning home from hospital. Bird notes that thanks to sustainable funding from Lanark County and the gas-tax fund, and careful financial management, LT was able to lower user costs for those in need.
Over the years, the organization has expanded beyond its original service model. Its Ride the LT program, for example, provides scheduled community trips, including an expansion into Mississippi Mills in 2024.
That service offers residents weekly trips between communities for shopping and other activities. Lanark Transportation has also become part of the broader conversation about improving rural transportation, with its experience cited as an example of a community-based transportation model. The organization says its services are supported through government funding, municipal support, donations and its non-profit operating model, helping keep transportation affordable for riders.
Lanark Transportation will celebrate its 25th anniversary September 24th at Beckwith Community Hall from 1 to 4 pm. For those interested in attending, please RSVP to admin@lanarktransportation.com.
You can hear our complete conversation with Bird below.
Story by Brian Turner
