Press Release MO RIDES Community Forum April 7, 2015 A panel of professionals responded to questions designed to illustrate the challenges faced by those without transportation, and to showcase some of the options available in the five county region that includes Franklin, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Charles and Warren. Members of the panel included: Program speaker James Stowe, PHD, Washington University; Susan Kallash-Bailey, ITNStCharles; Kathleen Block, NECAC, Montgomery County; Kristin Fox, Oats, Inc., East Region; Rusty Lee, Lee Farms, Inc.; Pat McNiff, Ride Right, LLC/MTM, Inc.; Christy Minear, Car Share, Ride Share, Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; Sue Perszyk, EMT; and Steve Schnelle, St. Louis Rehabilitation Services for the Blind. James Stowe spoke about “ Profiles of Transportation and Aging.” In expressing the increase in need for help with transportation he pointed out that by 2030: 1 in 5 Missourians will be 65+ ; Warren, Montgomery, and St. Charles counties about 1 in 4 (doubling for St. Charles county) will be 65+; in Lincoln will be younger, about 1 in 6 will be 65+ The focus of the community forum was to promote a transportation referral service known as MO RIDES. Mobility Coordinator Deana Tucker Dothage takes calls from people looking for a ride. Dothage finds out where they need to go, then identifies companies that provide the service for their specific situation. This often involves coordination between multiple transportation providers. MO RIDES goal is to help people with disabilities, low income individuals and senior citizens get to work, medical appointments, grocery shopping, social and more. The community forum was held at Pitman Reception Center in Wentzville, MO. The event was made possible by the leadership of Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, guidance of the Eastern Missouri Transportation Coordinating Council, and grant funding from MoDOT and Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.