A new transportation initiative is set to enhance access to health care for residents in Greater Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and the Equity Health Center have introduced the Ride for Health program, which provides free bus passes on the Coatesville Link for eligible individuals traveling to medical appointments and essential social services.
The initiative aims to assist individuals who live, work, or receive services in the Coatesville area, specifically targeting those whose healthcare providers are part of the Ride for Health Alliance network. This program addresses a significant barrier to care: the costs associated with transportation.
Key Features of the Ride for Health Program
The Coatesville Link operates Monday through Saturday, offering connections to major destinations such as the Brandywine Medical Center, the Coatesville VA Medical Center, the Coatesville YMCA, and both the Parkesburg and Coatesville Amtrak stations. It also facilitates access to grocery stores and connections to SEPTA Route 135.
Tim Phelps, executive director of TMACC, emphasized that even minimal transit fares can prevent individuals from attending crucial appointments, particularly those without access to a private vehicle. He stated that Ride for Health is designed to eliminate both logistical and financial barriers that lead to missed healthcare opportunities.
To utilize the program, individuals must first consult their healthcare or social service provider to confirm participation in Ride for Health. Providers will then coordinate with TMACC to load free rides onto a reloadable Coatesville Link fare card via TMACC’s electronic ticketing system, ModeShift. This system operates similarly to the SEPTA Key card and can be accessed through a physical card or a mobile phone application.
Impact on Health Outcomes
While trips related to medical appointments are free under the program, users also have the option to add personal funds to the fare card for other travel needs. Moira Gassenmeyer, integrated health director for the Alliance for Health Equity and coordinator at the Equity Health Center, noted that reliable transportation is crucial for better health outcomes. She explained that the program is intended to reduce missed appointments, enhance follow-up care, and empower patients to take control of their health management.
Funding for Ride for Health is sourced from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and will continue through 2026. Additional support comes from Chester County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and local municipalities. TMACC indicated that partner agencies and other organizations may also purchase fares to distribute to clients or employees in need of transportation assistance.
Phelps highlighted that the overarching aim of the program is equity, asserting that access to mobility should not dictate an individual’s ability to receive care. He remarked that Ride for Health equips residents with a practical tool to stay connected to vital medical services and community resources, which in turn strengthens the region as a whole.
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