RIDING HIGH
Minibus service helps residents stay active, mobile, independent
STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBIN D. BEST

Andy Johnston takes passengers wherever they need to go in Cherokee County for just $2, one way, through Minibus, Inc.

Area residents needing a pick-me-up are sure to get a lift when they

hear about Minibus,

Inc.

The East Texas based, non-profit transportation service provides rides to elderly and handicapped individuals throughout East Texas.

But Minibus service doesn't stop there. The low-cost transportation service can be used by anyone who needs it.

"If you've got some place you need to go, we will come get you," said Cherokee County Minibus driver Andy Johnston. "You don't have to be handicapped or elderly. If you need a ride, we will work with you. You just call us and we will carry you wherever you need to go."

Seventy one year-old U.S. Army veteran Kingston Jones of Jacksonville is a double amputee. Without his legs, Mr. Jones relies on his electric scooter to go even the shortest distances.

"Without the Minibus service, I couldn't get there a lot of times," he said. "Now I call them up. The bus is large enough to put my scooter on. He takes me to the doctor and to wherever I want to go.

"It's a good service," Mr. Jones added. "We've got one of the best drivers that the Lord could have given us."

"I've actually been with Minibus for four months now," Andy said. "I love it. It is a pretty good job. I am a people person anyway. You get to meet all kinds of interesting people doing this job."

The Minibus, which is an oversized van such as those used by transportation services at airports, originates at Minibus, Inc. in Longview.

It is a non-profit rural transportation service, supported by private donations and other sources such as the United Way.

"I think the best comment I could make is, the fact that House Bill 3588 set up regional planning groups such as the East Texas Regional Transportation Steering Committee," said Kay Dorman, Minibus executive director. "Our plan identifies strategic tasks to bring all of this region into the 21st century of public transportation.

"This House Bill also mandates rural and urban systems, as well as health and human service agencies to coordinate transportation services."

The existence of Minibus is also made possible through the help of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).

Gladys Stoltz is a 70-yearold dialysis patient who lives near Lake Jacksonville. Gladys enjoys riding the Minibus.

"They pick me up in the morning and take me wherever I need to go," she said. "It is very helpful. They have a hydraulic lift on the bus. They lift me up and I get to ride."

Gladys enjoys socializing with Andy and other passengers on the bus.

"I actually came from New Iberia, La. two years ago," Gladys said. "I came here with my son. He was supposed to take care of me, but I take care of him. He is my oldest of six boys."

"She keeps saying that, but I'm starting not to believe her," quipped Andy. "She says she is from Louisiana, but everyone I know from Louisiana can cook and she still hasn't brought me any gumbo."

Mrs. Stoltz laughed as she rode the bus to her home following her dialysis treatment on Wednesday afternoon.

"That does it," she said. "I'll bring you some gumbo next week."

The Minibus also stopped by the Cherokee Sheltered Workshop to pick up Lydia, a 30-year old woman who travels to the workshop from southern Cherokee County five days per week via the Minibus service.

"Been riding a couple of months," Lydia said. "Yeah, I like it. They come and get me and bring me home. It is $2 one way and $2 back again. Before this I didn't go anywhere, I stayed at home.

"Now I am able to get to the workshop, get out of the house and earn some money."

"We picked up some doughnut holes this morning," Andy said, gazing backwards at a stop sign, using a mirror positioned to allow the driver to see the passengers.

"We tore those doughnuts up," he said. "I am glad we did. I was so busy this morning, I didn't have time to get another bite to eat until 1:15 (p.m.)."

"We are going to stop at the fruit stand and get some peaches today," Lydia said.

"Oh yeah, those peaches are good," said Andy. "They've got some peaches that are better than Georgia peaches. They are so juicy that the juice runs down to your elbow when you take a bite."

Riders on the Minibus pay $2 to ride one-way, no matter where in East Texas the destination is.

Individuals over 60 are not required to pay, though Minibus accepts donations if passengers wish to donate.

Gladys looked out at the forest along Farm-to-Market Road 747 east of Jacksonville as the bus neared her home.

"I have two little dogs," she said. "Chihuahuas. They are sweet. One of them, the little one, is only about four months old. My son wants me to get rid of him. He said two dogs are too much to have.

"I'll keep the dog and get rid of him," she said with a grin. "I've got six sons. I've only got two dogs."

Minibus passengers are afforded freedom to leave home and remain mobile.

A common theme among those who ride is, without Minibus, many would become prisoners in their own homes.

Minibus gives them the ability to do shopping, visit friends, make doctor appointments and even keep jobs.

And the trip gives passengers a welcome chance to socialize.

"There's a wasp in here," Lydia said, pointing at the insect that had landed on the door.

Andy pulled to a stop at a corner and opened the door. The wasp flew out and disappeared.

"Nobody rides for free," Andy said with a smile. "Actually, if someone didn't have any money, we would still come get them. We can work something out.

"We aren't going to leave someone stranded just because they don't have two bucks."

In no time, the ride with Minibus came to an end.

"We are off to take Lydia home," Andy said. "Any time you need a lift, just give us a call. You do have to call the day before, by 2 p.m. to make a reservation."

"Don't you forget my peaches," Lydia said.

"You read my mind," Andy said.

With that, the door closed and Minibus moved on to complete its appointed rounds.

To make a reservation with Minibus, call (800) 590- 3371.