Residents who are dependent on public transportation in a nine-county region can let their transportation concerns and needs be known by attending one of three public listening sessions hosted by the SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and Williamsport area Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs).

Jim Saylor, SEDA-COG’s transportation planning director, said this is a critical opportunity for residents to voice their concerns – especially for those who are dependent on public transportation services and for transportation-disadvantaged groups.

“These sessions are an opportunity for residents who do not drive or rely on transportation services to discuss service gaps, scheduling issues, delays, reliability, affordability issues, and more.

“If one or more of these issues gets in the way of reaching jobs, medical appointments, food stores, pharmacies and other services, it needs to be counted among our region’s needs,” Saylor said.

Just as important as knowing what the transportation issues are is understanding who they impact – especially transportation-disadvantaged groups. Caregivers, advocates, and service agencies also are welcome to attend.

“Understanding who is affected – whether it’s seniors, minorities, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, individuals with limited English language skills, or even the general public – will help us know who to help and where to start,” Saylor said.

Three sessions have been scheduled to hear from residents in Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. 

Although the sessions last for three hours, they are designed for residents to stop in and stay however long they desire to share their needs and concerns about transportation services.

Each facility is accessible and has convenient parking.

Those not able to attend a listening session in person are encouraged to participate in an online survey at https://bit.ly/2MYx9gV  by Oct. 29.

For more information, contact SEDA-COG’s Steve Herman at sherman@seda-cog.org or 570-524-4491. In the Williamsport area, contact Lycoming County Transportation Supervisor Mark Murawski at mmurawski@lyco.org or 570-320-2138.

Listening session schedule:

Oct. 30

1-4 p.m.

Union-Snyder Community Action Agency

713 Bridge St., Suite 10, Selinsgrove

Nov. 1

2-5 p.m.

River Valley Trade and Transit Center II

144 W. Third St., Williamsport

Nov. 5

1-4 p.m.

Geisinger’s Justin Drive Office Building #2 (behind outpatient center)

Third floor main conference room