Transportation needs are a common concern in all rural communities. For some, including persons with disabilities, people with low incomes, and older adults, lack of transportation can lead to unmet social, medical, and economic needs. In other words, limited transportation options may mean well-being suffers too.

To reduce transportation barriers for residents with disabilities, the Municipality offers the Meaford Moves+ accessible transit service. The service offers door-to-door rides. Meaford Moves+ can be used for in-town rides to attend appointments, work, run errands, or visit friends. For medical appointments only, rides are also available to Owen Sound, Collingwood, and Thornbury.

To qualify for the service, a person must be both a resident of the Municipality of Meaford and have a disability. Individuals need to submit an application form and be approved before they can use the service. During the application process, we ask that people applying for the program show supporting documentation (something like an accessible parking permit to confirm their disability) or have a healthcare provider sign off on the application. Meaford Moves+ is for any person with a disability, and eligibility does not depend on income or age.

If a cardholder needs a support person because of their disability, their support person rides for free. Cardholders can also bring up to two companions along, and these riders would pay the regular fare.

Meaford Moves+ runs Tuesday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Once someone has applied and received their card in the mail, a quick phone call is all that’s needed to book a ride. A one-way in-town ride costs $2, while out of town rides for medical appointments cost $8 each way.

Meaford Moves+ is funded in part by the Provincial Gas Tax Program. Applications are available in person at the Municipality of Meaford’s office at 21 Trowbridge St. W., by calling 519-538-1060 extension 1110, or online at www.meaford.ca/transit.