The crux of the matter is that they have been unable to hire drivers. The reason is they pay the paltry sum of $10.00 or so an hour. The drivers are required to have a commercial drivers license and training in first aid etc. I wonder how many are in the same boat as I am? There have been as many a 5 people riding with me in the van to Fresno. If you multiply my 5 refusals by the 5 other people it seems that 25 people were without transportation. This does not count others who may have been refused. These are medical appointments, not shopping expeditions. I have to go to Fresno on a regular basis for chemotherapy and cannot miss my appointments. I am lucky enough to have good friends who fill in . What about the others? Some of the elderly have no resources and cannot afford what a private ride would cost. The County must take care of this. You are neglecting a population that is in desperate need. The drivers I have encountered are professional, caring and go beyond just driving. They get us there on time and pick us up when we are through.
I encourage that everyone contact their Supervisor and ask that this situation be rectified in a timely manner. The Seniors need this service and as citizens of this County it should be made available to them.
Ruth Catalan,
Mariposa
