Introducing the Mountain Town Connector!!!

Neighborhood Connections launched its three year, community-supported transportation program in November, 2021! The pilot project features a brand-new, wheelchair-accessible, AWD Ford Transit van!

The program was designed based on our rural location, which puts our community members at the outer edge of existing transportation resources, making public transportation largely inaccessible. Our service offers on-demand scheduling - as well as flexible fixed routes - and group transportation, all at no cost.

Rider Criteria
There is no age or income criteria to catch a ride on the Mountain Town Connector, and while medical rides are prioritized, our ride categories include, but are not limited to:

          Medical and other essential appointments
          Shopping for food and other necessities
          Addressing unexpected transportation hardships
          Social and recreational outings
          Access to Neighborhood Connections and community programming

Door-Through-Door Service
One of the unique features of the program is the available door-through-door service. Upon request, drivers will accompany a rider into their appointment or activity, assisting and advocating. As an added measure, social work and advocacy services are also available through our staff case managers.

Drivers
We utilize a team of dedicated drivers to fulfill ride requests and scheduled rides Monday through Friday, with occasional planned weekend outings. They transport people either the Mountain Town Connector or their own vehicles.

Thanks to our Funders!
Our micro-transit program is built on community support and partnership. Our largest funder, the Holt Fund, awarded NC a three-year grant, enabling us to not only launch the initiative, but give us time to build a sustainable program. 

We also want to recognize the Thomas Thompson Trust for their generous support in the purchase of the van. 

Additionally, three key community partner organizations have also been financially supportive. Mountain Valley Health Council generously donated funds for the van purchase and first-year operations. The Windham Foundation gave us monies toward operations. And last, but not least, Just Neighbors is funding a portion of the salary for our part-time Transportation Coordinator.

Thanks to all who participated in this Mountain Town Connector social outing! More trips are in the works, so stay tuned!