The Wilmington Housing Authority does drive elderly and disabled residents to the grocery store, officials said.

Last month, 77 people used that service, said Michael Krause, WHA’s s executive director.

Driving residents to the store isn’t a service the authority receives funding for, Krause said, but one housing authority employee occasionally offers rides as a small part of her job.

Krause says he has met with WAVE Transit officials to try and reach an agreement that would provide a better service in the future.

The discussions are in the early stages and have centered on driving older and disabled WHA residents to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store.

Matthew Kunic, a planner with WAVE Transit said currently, seniors can ride buses at a discounted rate of 75 cents per trip.

The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority also has two programs that provide curb-to-curb service to some qualified  residents.

Dial-A-Ride Transportation is for people in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking, and who live within ¾ of a mile of a WAVE bus stop, Kunic said.

The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program goes anywhere in New Hanover County.

Both programs provide van service at a rate of $3 a ride and require a doctor’s note.

To download an application visit www.wavetransit.com/wave-services.asp

Date posted: March 19, 2010

User-contributed question by:
Jim Rode
Jim Rode