ASHLAND — Ashland Source loves tips, Facebook (FB) comments, emails and calls about stories, scandals and happenings around town.
Such as, “I heard as a kid, the City of Ashland would not allow taxis to run after a certain time at night so the police could get drunk drivers and people drunk in public,” one reader opined in a Facebook message.
So, to address the questions surrounding Ashland Public Transit (APT), our columnist Adam Fox asked around. Here’s a quick tongue-in-cheek overview to set the record straight.
QUESTION: Why doesn’t the Ashland taxi business run late at night?
ANSWER: One, it’s not a private company. APT is funded through the City of Ashland and grants they apply for every year. Two, APT isn’t a taxi service but a demand/response “share ride” public transit.
“Might have four trips after 7 p.m., but that’s it; there’s just no demand,” said APT Transit Director Liz McClurg, on why they don’t stay open past 9 p.m., even on the weekends.
On a major holiday like New Year’s Eve, McClurg asserts, there just aren’t passengers.
“I’ve never had a request for New Year’s Eve. We’ve made special arrangements on Christmas Day, so it can be done if people want it,” McClurg said.
To follow up on that promise, McClurg is in the process of launching a new “human services transportation plan,” and she wants your input.
A survey is being built to ask Ashland residents what additional hours people want and about running a late-night service. Ashland Source will share the survey on social media and please feel free to leave your comments and opinions below and they will be sent directly to APT.
QUESTION: What about the DUI conspiracy?
ANSWER: In true small-town fashion, this conspiracy hits all the levels of city government: the police want more DUI arrests and public intox tickets. The city council then makes it illegal for any transportation companies to operate past 9 p.m. When the bars let out, all the inebriated patrons either drive through the DUI gauntlet or walk home, illegally.
Ashland’s Law Director Richard P. Wolfe II (that’s a perfect lawyer name, amirite?) was asked if “there is any city ordinance or law that would stop a private company from ‘competing’ with Ashland Transit, even when they are closed?”
“In answer to your question, you might find it helpful to have a look at Chapter 749 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ashland, which are available on-line under City of Ashland, Ohio,” Wolfe responded via email.
Based on those Codified Ordinances, it seems perfectly legal (albeit a quite lengthy process of approval) for anyone to start their own cab company in Ashland. There are also companies like Uber and Lyft that could accomplish the same goal. (Seriously, someone become an Ashland Uber driver. I’ll be your first customer. Are you allowed to drink wine in the back of an Uber ride? Asking for a friend.)
QUESTION: McClurg was questioned about the “DUI conspiracy:” “Has any member of city council, any law enforcement, any lawyer or any person at all ever asked you to, or encouraged you to close early?”
ANSWER: “No. I’ve never had any request like that,” said McClurg.
QUESTION: Is APT addressing the needs of older people and those with disabilities, another concerned citizen posted on our Facebook page?
ANSWER: “In the past year or so, Ashland Transit’s ability to serve its handicapped clients has been diminished by concerns for traffic flow in such a way that some handicapped passengers are now forced to wait unsheltered in all kinds of weather instead of the safe places,” Hazen wrote.
APT doesn’t have any set routes or “bus stop” locations.
“They [Hazen] are probably referring to the Essex House. The parking out front was always taken. We now pick up people in the alley by Irwin’s,” McClurg said.
Every APT vehicle is equipped with either a ramp or lift to accommodate the elderly and those with disabilities. The service is also “door-to-door and curb-to-curb,” so hopefully no one is waiting outside in bad weather.
Take Advantage of APT!
You know you can go anywhere in the city limits for $3 if you schedule ahead? Going with a friend? They only pay $1.50, along with the elderly and disabled. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult and only $1.50 by themselves (maybe I’ll send my kids on a solo ride around town when cabin fever sets in this winter and they start going crazy).
Are you a college or high school student that needs to do some Christmas shopping but you don’t have a ride? Either way, take advantage of the FREE in-town shuttle on Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There’s also a Mansfield shopping shuttle Dec. 9. The cost is $15, roundtrip, with departures at 9 a.m., 1:30 and 5 p.m. Pickups will be at 11:30 a.m., 4 and 8 p.m.
For more information about APT, McClurg urges you to contact her at the office directly 419-289-8221, via email at mcclurg.liz@ashland-ohio.com or by visiting the APT website.
