CATS
(Community Action Transportation System)
Annette Finch - Director
Heidi Wyant - Transportation Manager
585-589-7700
Since receiving its authority in 1974, CATS has operated within Orleans County providing transportation of elderly and disabled individuals to vital medical, nutritional, and social events. In 1992, an extension of that authority was granted to travel into Monroe and Erie Counties, especially to accommodate passengers requiring medical services outside of Orleans County. In 1996, CATS again made application to permit the transport of passengers to Niagara County for the express purpose of access to healthcare, for which approval to extend its authority was received in June of that year. In 1999 CATS was awarded funding through the Rochester Area Community Foundation/ Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging to transport Genesee County elderly.
Over the years, a number of carriers have attempted to provide fixed route public transportation, but none have been successful. In 2003, the Orleans County Legislature approved joining the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) to provide public service in Orleans County. The RGRTA formed a subsidiary, Orleans Transit Service (OTS) to provide the service, which started in October 2003. This change will allow CATS to focus resources on those most in need of specialized services. CAT?s remains committed to provide reliable access to those programs and services which promote health and independent living. Operations include both fixed route and demand services on a year round, five day/week basis. Buses are wheelchair accessible and drivers provide door to door personalized assistance. Typical destinations include Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Mental Health, Medina Memorial Hospital, Community Partners, Nutrifair, doctor appointments, treatment centers, dialysis, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
CATS value to the community extends beyond procuring the resources necessary to establish a fleet of buses and pool of drivers, it has evolved to serve another function?. keeping a watchful eye on elderly customers' well being, directing riders to community resources and helping to preserve their quality of life. Without a public transit system, rural residents are vulnerable in many ways, CATS offers low cost effective, dependable, courteous services in all types of weather conditions to those who might otherwise remain isolated.
The success of CATS is due in part to the collective experience of its staff. Heidi Wyant is the CATS coordinator and is responsible for the daily activities of the program. Since her appointment in 1995, Ms. Wyant has streamlined routes, scheduling, dispatching, and billing, along with Mary Guzik, a veteran of CATS. They have maintained an excellent relationship with providers and the general public. The CATS drivers are experienced professionals. Their dedication is demonstrated by the active part they play in assuring that vehicles are properly maintained, and by their impressive lengths of service.
In May 2003 the Board of Directors approved combining the Head Start transportation component with the CATS program to create the OCAC transportation department. This allows for greater flexibility and efficient use of agency resources.