While it threatened to rain outside, you would have encountered a bright light shining on the impact of public transportation in Door County on Monday afternoon. The Door County Transportation Department hosted its first transportation fair on Monday inside the horse, sheep, and swine barn at the Door County Fairgrounds, filling it with trucks, cars, and buses from Door County and Sturgeon Bay municipal departments, local organizations like Door-Tran and Sunshine Resources, and area businesses for community members to explore. At the center of the event was recognition for Door2Door Rides’ 15 years of service, providing more than 500,000 rides. Transportation Manager Pam Busch honored United Way of Door County Executive Director Amy Kohnle and Door County Transportation Consortium member Frank Maxwell for making public transit a reality in Door County. During her remarks, Kohnle shared the turning point for their efforts, which included filling out grant applications in the airport in the aftermath of a conference on public transportation because of tight deadlines.
Maxwell said it used to cost Washington Island residents nearly $70 to go to Sturgeon Bay for appointments and errands if they did not have a car. He added that the current system is a great example of what the government can do for its residents.
Door2Door Rides provided approximately 13,550 rides in 2011 and almost 40,000 rides last year. Their fleet has also grown to include three ambulatory-seven passenger vans, six wheelchair-accessible vans, and one hybrid sedan.
