When Red Bank resident Maureen Rich began to notice her macular degeneration was worsening, she knew her days of driving would soon come to an end. Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that can restrict an individual’s daily activities by causing blurred or reduced central vision.
Ms. Rich, still employed and not yet ready to retire, began searching for alternative methods of transportation to and from work. She contacted CARTA in Chattanooga and was delighted to discover that the City of Red Bank now provides paratransit transportation through the CARTA Care-a-Van service.
CARTA Care-A-Van services in Red Bank are for qualifying seniors ages 65 and older and for individuals like Ms.
Rich with temporary and permanent disabilities. Red Bank is currently outside of CARTA’s service area, but the city recognized an opportunity to bring a public paratransit option to an area that does not have any transit services.
Red Bank residents desiring to use the Care-A-Van service will need to have a completed, approved and current CARTA Eligibility Application on file at the Care-A-Van office before booking a trip. Easy to complete applications are available at Red Bank City Hall and on the city’s website at www.redbanktn.gov.
Care-A-Van services are available at the cost of $2.50 for a one-way trip and $5 for round trips. Clients can schedule rides up to two weeks in advance. However, a minimum of 48 hours advance notice will be required for scheduling trips. Clients can make their payments when boarding the van unless other arrangements have been made prior to the pick-up.
Red Bank residents using the Care-A-Van service may travel anywhere within the Red Bank or the Chattanooga City limits. Ms. Rich said that Care-A-Van services have helped her so much.
“Everyone needs to know that CARTA Care-A-Van service will take you right to the door, like the mall or the movie theater, and you don't have to find a parking spot or pay for parking,” said Ms. Rich. “For me, their services in Red Bank mean I can continue to work for a while longer.”
For additional information on this community service, contact the Care-A-Van office at 423-698-9038 or call Red Bank City Hall at 423-877-1103 or check the city’s website www.redbanktn.gov.