PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- RTP, the Regional Transportation Program, is having a lot of trouble meeting the demand for its services these days. RTP gives low or no-cost rides to people who are elderly, disabled or have low incomes.
It has staff members who give rides, but it relies heavily on volunteers. Last October, RTP had more than 100 volunteers. Now it has just 58. State and federal money for the program decreased 6 1/2% at a time when operating costs went up.
Drivers are receiving 3 cents less per mile than they did a year ago, and when the price of gas went up, a lot of drivers couldn't afford to volunteer anymore. So now there are times when drivers just can't get to some of the people who ask for rides.
And RTP is starting to look at whether it will need to make some service cuts in another year or two.
RTP is actively recruiting volunteers, even those who are willing just to pick someone up on their way into work. If you're interested, you can give RTP a call at 774-2666 or click here for more information.
NEWS CENTER