TAPS seeks to expand transit service across Cooke County

GAINESVILLE, Texas — The Texoma Area Paratransit System is working to expand its transportation services across the region, with representatives presenting their plans at Monday's Cooke County commissioners court meeting. Bennett Powell, a transportation planner from KUW Group assisting TAPS with the initiative, told commissioners the group is conducting "a full inventory of transportation services in the Texoma region and looking at where unmet transportation needs are." The expansion effort targets underserved populations including seniors, individuals with disabilities, people over age 65 and veterans — residents who may lack access to independent transportation or live in low-income households without vehicles. Early findings from TAPS community outreach show that rural passengers primarily need medical transportation for doctor appointments and errands, according to Powell. The initiative includes a demographic analysis to identify areas throughout the region that currently lack adequate service. The survey encompasses Cooke County and nearby communities including Valley View and Callisburg. After data collection concludes, TAPS plans to develop a comprehensive service plan that will be made available for public review and additional community input. Residents who want to share their transportation needs can complete an online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/TAPSRider. For more information, contact TAPS at 940-665-5511, ext. 4831.