~ Committees ~

Greenspace

Francisco's Farm Arts

Midway Living History

Interested in serving on one of the Renaissance Committees?
Email Randy Thomas
(phone 859-846-4050)

Mailing:
PO Box 4354
Midway, KY 40347-4354

Office Answering Machine
859-846-4049

Board Members
Randy Thomas - President
Becky Moore - Vice President
Pam Thomas - Secretary
Sarah Rathbone - Treasurer
Mary Thoreson
Mary Weese
Joy Arnold
Phil Gerrow
Bob Rathbone
Cecelia Gass
Blythe Jamieson

Board Meetings:
Agendas & Minutes

On Saturday March 27 the Midway Ministerial Association hosted a presentation about the expansion of ITNBluegrass (Independent Transportation Network - Bluegrass), an elder transportation service, into Midway. The presentation was endorsed by Mayor Tom Bozarth, the Midway City Council, and Midway Renaissance.

Those of us who attended the meeting at Midway Baptist Church would like to share what we learned and encourage you to complete a survey (link below) if you may be interested in participating as a Rider, a Driver, or Both.

ITNBluegrass is one of 16 affiliates of a national nonprofit (ITNAmerica) whose mission is to provide affordable, reliable automobile transportation 24/7 to people 60+ and adults with visual impairment.

The organization originated in Portland, Maine, where they now provide over 14,000 rides per year. ITNBluegrass, which started just 18 months ago in Fayette County, has provided over 4,700 rides since they began operations.

Details on expanding the service to Midway will be worked out in upcoming meetings. In order to consider expanding to Midway, the organization needs to find out how many people may be interested in participating. They need Riders and Drivers - some people may be Both! You can help by completing the survey and by encouraging your family, friends, and neighbors to complete the survey.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions - Click the Question to go to the Answer, or scroll down to see all the Answers:

How can I get rides through this service?
Becoming a Rider is easy. First you become a member of ITN Bluegrass, then you call them whenever you know you'll need a ride. You must be at least 60 years old and/or visually impaired.

Who are the drivers? What are they paid?
Drivers are volunteers from our community. They use their own cars, and receive 33 cents per mile credit for each mile they drive. They can use their credits whenever they need rides, and they can donate their credits to other riders they know or to our Community Account for use by anyone in Midway. Drivers receive a free membership, which they can use for themselves or donate to a new member each year.

What will it cost me to ride?
After paying an annual membership fee of $50, Riders deposit funds in their 'Ride Account'. Ride costs for service in Midway have not yet been determined, but riders in Lexington are paying $3 to be picked up, and $1.50 per mile traveled. The amounts are deducted from their Ride Account, and they receive a monthly statement in the mail.

What if I can't afford it?
ITN Bluegrass has Road Scholarships available to assist low income members. Volunteer drivers can donate credits to our Community Account. Friends and family members can buy you Gift Certificates for rides. We may also have fundraising events to increase the amount in our Community Account.

What if I'm still driving my own car? Do I have to give it up?
You never have to give up your car to use the service. You may just need a ride to the airport or to take your car to a mechanic. Some people use the service because they prefer not to drive at night. You can use the service for any reason at all. (We were told it costs us about $15/day to own a car, considering the cost of insurance and maintenance.)

Who keeps track of all the information?
ITN Bluegrass has a computer system that keeps track of all the driver and rider accounts and schedules. All rides are scheduled through the dispatchers in Lexington.

Where can I find out more about this service?

Ready to take the Survey? (Completing the survey is an indication of interest only, not a commitment to volunteer or to use the service.)