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Serving Our Seniors and Sandusky Transit System have the same goal. We want others to maintain their independence in Erie County. For those 60+, affordable transportation can be the difference between aging successfully – or not. This is why Serving Our Seniors partially funds the Sandusky Transit buses to operate anywhere in Erie County, for the benefit of Erie County residents, ages 60+. We also help to fund the bus fare. When those aged 60+ board the bus they only pay $1.50/1-way trip. The general public pays $5.00/1-way trip. Older adults who cannot afford the $1.50 bus fare, can apply to Serving Our Seniors to cover $1.00 of the bus fare. Those who qualify pay .50¢ for a 1-way trip. The number trips taken by older adults increased by 19% when comparing 2010 data to 2019 data. These are trips taken to local health care appointments, grocery stores, banking, drug stores, hair salon/barber, part-time/ seasonal jobs, social activities, etc. Gerald Mandinka, 78, said he has been using the Getting Where You Need to Go In Later Life Sandusky Transit System since it started. “I have had many positive experiences using Sandusky Transit. I don’t know what I would do without it.” Brenda Bishop, 69, said she was afraid to try public transit. “It was my son who convinced me to try it. He works for STS and said, ‘Mom you should try it. Once you do, you will love it.’ He was right. I use it all the time.” 2010 13,855 local transportation trips 2019 16,494 local transportation trips Serving Our Seniors is primarily funded through the Senior Services Tax Levy. Every five (5) years this issue is brought before Erie County voters for approval. It will be on the November 2020 ballot as Issue #14 Senior Services Tax Levy. The Senior Services Tax levy has not increased since 2005. This is a levy renewal, plus an additional tax of .25 mills. The cost to a home owner of a $100,000.00 home is $23.28 per year. Note: Masks are worn on the bus and were removed for the purpose of taking the photos. Chris Bivins, STS Driver 23