Recap of Community Connection Event: John Stapleton & Trisha Noble, Schoolcraft County Transit Authority
In July, our Morning Brew session featured two special guests, John Stapleton and Tricia Noble, who joined us to discuss the vital role of transportation in Schoolcraft County. As leaders of the Schoolcraft County Transit Authority (STCA), John and Tricia provided valuable insights into the services offered by the organization and how they are working to enhance mobility for all residents.
Overview of Schoolcraft County Transit Authority
The Schoolcraft County Transit Authority, led by John Stapleton, who serves as the Director of both Schoolcraft and Delta County Transit Authorities, is committed to providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation options for the community. Tricia Noble, the Operations Director, ensures the smooth running of day-to-day operations at the Schoolcraft County facility.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
A significant portion of our discussion centered around non-emergency medical transportation, a service many residents may not be aware of. John and Tricia emphasized that these one-on-one transports are designed to accommodate individual needs, making it easier for residents to attend medical appointments in locations such as Escanaba, Marquette, Green Bay, and Petoskey.
This service is a cost-effective alternative to ambulatory transport, utilizing small, wheelchair-accessible vehicles that can transport residents to various medical facilities, including outpatient clinics, dental offices, optical centers, and physical therapy appointments. The vehicles can also make additional stops, such as at pharmacies, with prior approval. John and Tricia underscored the importance of scheduling these trips in advance and noted that some residents might be eligible for reimbursement through their medical insurance.
Funding and Financial Management
John and Tricia provided an overview of the funding sources for the Schoolcraft County Transit Authority. The organization relies heavily on State and Federal funding, which accounts for 58% of its budget. Other sources include a millage, rider fares, contracts with agencies, and fundraising efforts.
However, they highlighted the challenges of operating within a limited budget, particularly as state and federal contributions continue to decrease. Rising costs, including a 16% increase in health insurance premiums, wage increases, and fuel expenses, make it necessary to manage the budget carefully to continue providing valuable services to residents. Despite these challenges, the Transit Authority has maintained the same fare structure for 20 years and continues to seek external funding and partnerships to offset operational costs.
Millage Renewal
John also mentioned the upcoming ballot measure for the renewal of the millage that supports Schoolcraft County Transit. He emphasized that this is a renewal without an increase and is crucial for the continuation of services.
Grant Funds for Facility Upgrades
A major success story for the Transit Authority is the recent securing of a $1.1 million grant, which allowed for significant upgrades to their facility at no cost to Schoolcraft County residents. The grant, funded 80% by the Federal government and 20% by the state, covered the installation of bathrooms, a breakroom, a bus washing facility, office space, garaging space, and an under-bay flushing system. These upgrades are expected to extend the lifespan of the Transit Authority’s vehicles and improve service delivery for years to come.
Community Engagement and Employment Opportunities
John and Tricia also addressed community questions, including the availability of part-time, on-call driver positions—a great opportunity for those looking to supplement their income. They encouraged interested individuals to reach out to Tricia for more information by phone at 906-341-2111 or email at opsmgr@sctransit.org.
Additionally, they highlighted a lesser-known service: the Transit Authority’s package delivery option. For just $5.00, residents can have packages under 50 lbs. delivered to or from Escanaba, with three daily trips available. This is a convenient option for those who need to send or receive items without making the trip themselves. Next time you see a social media post “Anyone traveling to Escanaba today” remember SCTA!
Conclusion
Our discussion with John Stapleton and Tricia Noble was both informative and enlightening. We left with a deeper appreciation for the Schoolcraft County Transit Authority’s efforts to enhance transportation and mobility across the region.
Overview of STCA Services
The Transit Authority offers a variety of transportation services tailored to meet the needs of the community, including:
- On Demand Services (Monday-Saturday): Flexible routes to accommodate residents’ needs.
- Regular Routes: Catering to school children and providing evening recreational transportation on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Non-Emergency Medical Transport: Personalized transport for residents needing medical appointments.
- Regional Travel: Daily trips between Manistique and Escanaba.
- Package Delivery: Affordable door-to-door delivery services.
Detailed Service Schedule
Monday-Friday:
- Door-to-Door Service: Available from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with additional hours on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Manistique to Escanaba: Three daily trips at 6:45 AM, 10:45 AM, and 3:45 PM.
- Friday & Saturday Evenings: Regular pickups from 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM at multiple stops across the community.
The purpose of Morning Brew is to foster connections within the community, encouraging participants to interact with local leaders, business owners, and hometown heroes. Hosted at The Grind Coffee House, these events serve as a platform for meaningful discussions about current events and development in our community. Learn more.
Article by, Jennifer C. Watson, CEO, of Limestone FCU
