Palace Transit reports ridership boost amid software challenges impacting patient transportation
November 14, 2024 | Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota
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Mitchell's Community Services Advisory Board addressed critical transportation challenges during its November 14, 2024, meeting, highlighting the need for improved public transit services in the area. A significant concern raised was the impact of new software on the efficiency of the Palace Transit system, which has led to increased wait times for riders, particularly those needing medical appointments.
The board reported a notable increase in ridership, with 5,700 more rides taken compared to the previous year. However, the transition to new scheduling software has created complications, resulting in patients experiencing long waits for return trips. Many riders are left stranded at clinics, sometimes for hours, due to the inability to schedule same-day rides or adjust their return times effectively. This has raised concerns about the well-being of vulnerable patients, particularly those with medical conditions like diabetes who may miss meals while waiting.
To address these issues, board members discussed the urgent need for additional part-time drivers to alleviate staffing shortages that have exacerbated wait times. Currently, the transit service is operating with limited personnel, which has forced existing staff to take on extra driving hours. The board emphasized the importance of scheduling return trips in advance to avoid delays and ensure timely pickups.
In addition to transportation, the board reviewed adult nutrition program results, noting a significant drop in meal deliveries in Parkston, which fell short of monthly goals. This decline underscores the ongoing challenges faced by community services in meeting the needs of residents.
The meeting concluded with a call for community support in hiring more drivers and a commitment to improving communication with patients about scheduling to enhance the overall efficiency of the transit system. As the board continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that all community members have access to essential services without undue delays.
The board reported a notable increase in ridership, with 5,700 more rides taken compared to the previous year. However, the transition to new scheduling software has created complications, resulting in patients experiencing long waits for return trips. Many riders are left stranded at clinics, sometimes for hours, due to the inability to schedule same-day rides or adjust their return times effectively. This has raised concerns about the well-being of vulnerable patients, particularly those with medical conditions like diabetes who may miss meals while waiting.
To address these issues, board members discussed the urgent need for additional part-time drivers to alleviate staffing shortages that have exacerbated wait times. Currently, the transit service is operating with limited personnel, which has forced existing staff to take on extra driving hours. The board emphasized the importance of scheduling return trips in advance to avoid delays and ensure timely pickups.
In addition to transportation, the board reviewed adult nutrition program results, noting a significant drop in meal deliveries in Parkston, which fell short of monthly goals. This decline underscores the ongoing challenges faced by community services in meeting the needs of residents.
The meeting concluded with a call for community support in hiring more drivers and a commitment to improving communication with patients about scheduling to enhance the overall efficiency of the transit system. As the board continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that all community members have access to essential services without undue delays.
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