A new initiative in Greater Coatesville aims to enhance access to healthcare by providing free bus passes for residents needing transportation to medical appointments. The program, known as Ride for Health, was launched by the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) in collaboration with the Equity Health Center. It is designed to assist individuals who live, work, or receive services in the Coatesville area and whose providers are part of the Ride for Health Alliance network.
Transportation costs often create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for those without vehicles. The Coatesville Link, which operates Monday through Saturday, connects riders to key locations, including the Brandywine Medical Center, the Coatesville VA Medical Center, local grocery stores, and Amtrak stations. This public transit option aims to alleviate the logistical and financial challenges that prevent residents from attending appointments.
Tim Phelps, executive director of TMACC, emphasized the importance of the program, stating that even small transit fares can deter individuals from seeking necessary care. He noted that Ride for Health is intended to remove obstacles that lead to missed appointments, thus improving overall health outcomes.
Under the initiative, individuals can ask their healthcare or social service providers about participation in the program. Providers then coordinate with TMACC to load free rides onto a reloadable Coatesville Link fare card using the electronic ticketing system known as ModeShift. This system is similar to the SEPTA Key card and is accessible via both a physical card and a mobile app. While medical trips covered by the program are free, users can also add personal funds to the card for other travel needs.
Moira Gassenmeyer, integrated health director for the Alliance for Health Equity and coordinator at the Equity Health Center, stated that reliable transportation directly correlates with improved health outcomes. The program not only reduces missed appointments but also enhances follow-up care, empowering patients to better manage their health.
Funding for Ride for Health comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, available through 2026. Additional support is provided by Chester County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and local municipalities. Partner agencies and organizations also have the option to purchase fare cards to distribute to clients or employees in need of transportation assistance.
Phelps highlighted that the overarching goal of the program is equity in healthcare access. He explained that mobility should not dictate whether individuals can receive necessary care. By implementing Ride for Health, residents gain a crucial resource for connecting to medical services and community support, ultimately strengthening the region.
As the program progresses, it is expected to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between transportation and healthcare access for the residents of Greater Coatesville.
