By Ryan Spoehr
Staff writer
A taxi service to link Walworth County municipalities through public transportation is set start just after the first of the year.
On Jan. 3, the new service provided by VIP Services, Inc. of Elkhorn, in conjunction with the county, will be available.
“It can allow people to substitute for a second car or allow them to get around if needed,” said David Lowe, a transportation consultant for Walworth County.
The service will work as a taxi service. Customers may call ahead and reserve a time.
“If you live in Elkhorn and you need to go to Lakeland Therapy every Tuesday and Thursday for therapy, you can lock yourself in for that. Or, you can call and ask if someone can pick you up so you can shop for groceries,” Lowe said.
The service can be used by people in Walworth County to get from one location to another even if it is to get to another community in the county. Whitewater customers will only be able to use the service to get to locations outside of the city because of the public transportation already in place there.
“The Walworth County Transportation Committee has been looking for ways to improve transportation. This is another step for them to do that,” Lowe said.
The new program has come from several months of evaluating the transportation setup the county has in place. County officials have had the desire to expand the service to include everybody, not just seniors or those with disabilities.
“If somebody wants to go to the movies, see their sister, whatever, we want to expand the ridership,” said Transportation Committee and County Board Chairman Nancy Russell.
The service will be available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. A basic fare in-town will be $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and people with disabilities.
People may request rides by calling (262) 723-4043.
