PROP Transportation Program Merges with RTP

PROP's 25 volunteer drivers now work with RTP

Two major Portland-area transportation providers have merged to provide more comprehensive, efficient services to the people they serve throughout Cumberland County.

As of January 1, the transportation program run by People's Regional Opportunity Program (PROP) became part of Regional Transportation Program (RTP), which provides door-to-door rides through its fleet of buses and vans and its volunteer driver program.

Persons who used PROP's program -- and others who need rides -- can now call RTP at 774-2666 from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. to arrange transportation. Most of PROP's 25 volunteer drivers are expected to join the RTP Volunteer Driver Program, where volunteer drivers are reimbursed for mileage and use their own cars to give people in need rides to medical appointments and other necessary transportation.

"This merger is a great idea, really, because it combines two strong community transportation programs that were offering similar services and similar routes and makes them into one larger, more efficient system," said Jon B. McNulty, executive director of RTP. "The PROP riders also get new benefits, such as expanded dispatch hours and more options for transportation."

RTP, founded in 1976, provides about 1,000 rides a day to more than 4,500 people in Cumberland County and has a number of innovative programs to serve people in the area, from its "Senior Shopper's Express" to the "Rider's Choice" program where persons call one number, 774-2666, to learn what transportation is best for them, be it METRO, Casco Bay Lines, RTP programs or other services in the county. In addition to its volunteer drivers, RTP has 35 professional full and part-time drivers.

RTP also recently launched the Commuter Transit Network, which matches commuters with residents in need of regular transportation along the same route at the same times. The drivers pick up assigned riders on the way to or from work, and are reimbursed 30 cents a mile for the distance they travel each day.

"Access to transportation is one of the biggest factors in people's independence," said Grant Lee, executive director of PROP, the region's local provider of support services for families and individuals facing economic hardships. "Our goal is to make sure that there are strong, efficient systems in place to address this need. Combining our programs creates a comprehensive system that will serve everyone better. And with RTP's longer dispatch hours and its related services, access to many types of transportation will be easier."

Lee noted that all PROP drivers have been invited to join the RTP network, and many have been through an orientation there already. Persons presently getting rides through PROP have received a post card and phone call to make sure they are informed of the change. In addition, a flyer is being distributed to town offices and social service organizations.

Persons seeking more information on RTP's services may call 774-2666.


About RTP

Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency that provides door-to-door transportation to the elderly, social service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities in Cumberland County. RTP serves more than 4,500 people countywide, providing about 1,000 rides a day to people who need to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work and other necessary services.

Located at 127 St. John St., RTP serves more than 26 towns in the county, including Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Windham, Standish, Casco, Bridgton and others. The organization has recently launched a number of innovative programs to serve its local residents, including "Rider's Choice," which allows area residents to call one telephone number, 774-2666, and be matched to the appropriate transportation provider, including RTP buses and vans, PROP volunteer drivers, METRO buses, the South Portland Bus Service, and the Greater Portland Council Of Government's RideShare program.

RTP has also been instrumental in the Access to Jobs program to provide transportation to those transitioning from welfare to work, and the Clean Cities program by adding a propane vehicle to its fleet to help the environment. Other longtime programs of RTP include the Senior Shopper=s Express, a county-wide bus service, the ADAPT program which serves persons with disabilities in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook, and its volunteer driver program.

About PROP

Since 1965, PROP has been the Community Action Agency serving Cumberland County. Each year, more than 7,000 families and individuals turn to PROP for assistance with a particular need, or in a time of crisis or significant life change. Here they find caring professionals who assess their needs, recommend resources, and offer the support and encouragement they need to begin taking steps toward their desired goals.

PROP offers help as people make changes to improve the quality of their lives, and the lives of their children and families.

PROP assists people through:
á The Head Start Program and affordable Child Care in 22 convenient locations.
á Foster Grandparents, matched with families and children who have special needs in home, school, child care and hospital settings.
á The Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program, providing supplemental food & nutrition education.
á The Women's Project, offering support and resources for women whose lives are affected by substance abuse - their own or another's.
á The Youth Resiliency Project, supporting and connecting with youth-at-risk through mentoring and peer leadership programs.
á Social Services, including fuel and utility assistance, emergency food and shelter assistance, resource coordination, information & referrals.
á Housing Programs including home ownership training, renovated homes for sale, 23 family rental units, plus home repair loans to protect and maintain existing housing.

PROP headquarters is at 510 Cumberland Avenue in Portland, with satellite offices in Westbrook and Windham and 27 program sites throughout Cumberland County.

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