Notes by Barry Davidson
31 members today were present with one guest, Roger’s partner, Cathy, to listen to Shelley Acker from Quinte Transit.
Shelley gave the background of Quinte Transit, formerly Quinte Access, for the benefit of new Rotarians.
- They started in 1989 with On-Demand service to provide transport for those with mobility issues.
- In 1994 it organized as a non-profit concentrating in Quinte West.
- In 2007 it started On-Demand service in PEC.
- In 2008 it started to provide regular public transport in Trenton with three routes on week-days and some Saturdays.
- In 2018 it started a fixed route from Picton to Bloomfield to the Belleville bus station and flex routes to tie into this fixed route.
- In 2023 the volume is slowly coming back after COVID with service now provided to Loyalist College and people travelling to their business. They have 600 ridership now, 300 of which is On-Demand.
They provide after hours and holiday service to address the social aspect of their customers. Funding for this service comes from donations as there is no government funding for this service.
Out-of-town medical service is provided 1-2 a day to Kingston, Peterborough and Cobourg.
They employ 15-20 salaried drivers at $21-$25/hr and 1-2 volunteers. More volunteers would be welcome who have a “G” license. Driver shortage is a challenge.
Changes to the current routes are being looked at including possible stops at Tim Horton’s & Woodland in Wellington. Note the new bus shelter in Bloomfield. When William made the suggestion that phone service would be useful in the shelter, because not all seniors have phones, Shelley welcomed a volunteer who would take on the project of evaluating this suggestion.
The annual operating budget is $3.5 million which is covered in part by 20% from riders, 30% from the gas tax and 5-10% from donations. Riders can setup monthly billing and caregivers sometimes pay the fare. Gas prices and vehicle maintenance costs are putting pressure on the budget.
A suggestion was made that a local Wellington contact would be useful with some notices in The Times to publicize the service. A question as to whether local employers know about the service was answered that they depend on the County staff to advertise to employers. Brochures were distributed showing the County service and the On-Demand phone number, 613-392-9640
Club Business
The golf tournament has sold out the teams needed but we still need hole sponsors if any members know somebody.
Phyo showed the photobook that has been prepared for Sharon Campbell.
Trudy reminded members that she is accepting candidates for Rotarian of the Year until June 1.
Trudy reminded members to advise her if you are attending the Past President’s dinner and if so, to pay $40/person by cheque or e-transfer to her phone.
Roger announced a new 50:50 draw in support of the Storehouse Foodbank. He will have tickets soon.
Tim gave a report on his project to plan a recognition day for Wellington residents who helped the Rotary Club in its 20 years. A party at the ball diamond serving hot dogs, corn and soft drinks from noon to five in mid-July or August. Staff Sgt John Hatch agreed to donate OPP time as needed and two Councillors, Turpin and Neiman, would be there. Entertainment is still being organized - one suggestion was “Q The Funk”. If members have other suggestions, Tim is happy to hear them. He was asked to prepare a budget for approval by the members.
A report on the Rotary summer camp project is that 18 of the 25 spots have been taken.
A question was raised as to whether the Club was supporting the 99.3 County FM’s fund raising campaign.
Today, Howard’s number was drawn for the 50:50 but he did not draw the ace of spades.
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