Butler Eagle File Photo

The Alliance of Nonprofit Resources (ANR) in Butler offers transportation, most for free, for a variety of purposes.

However, transportation director Cody Slater said Friday he was surprised the number of people seeking rides to food banks and grocery stores hasn’t increased since Butler police received multiple reports of card skimmers completely draining Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) accounts.

Police announced the reports March 6.

“The fact that we haven’t … I’m incredibly hopeful those individuals got food,” Slater said.

It could be due to the population that needs the resource. Rick Berry, a resident of Terrace Apartments, said many of his neighbors who had their EBT funds drained are immobile seniors.

Slater said he discussed the EBT skimming for 45 minutes Monday in a meeting with administration from Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the expectation was the need for ANR’s services would increase as a result.

“Everywhere you go, transportation is a barrier,” Slater said.

For residents looking for free transportation to food banks or grocery stores, Rise Up Rides is a possible answer.

The collaboration between ANR, Independence Health System and The Lighthouse Foundation began in February 2023 with a Butler Collaborative for Families grant of $5,000 that the organizations matched.

Slater said about 40% of its users need rides to food resources and others use it for transportation to work, Butler County Community College and Slippery Rock University.

Trips can be scheduled by calling the Center for Community Resources at 724-431-3748. Rise Up Rides has completed nearly 3,000 trips since it started.

“Prior to that program starting, that’s nearly 3,000 trips that I don’t know how those people would have gotten where they needed,” Slater said.

Butler Transit Authority’s buses have a policy that patrons may bring only two bags on the bus, which makes Rise Up Rides better suited for shopping trips.

ANR Transport offers scheduled rides primarily to medical appointments, Slater said. All drivers are trained in mental health support, first aid, CPR, securing wheelchairs, defensive driving and hazard spills.

ANR also operates Butler Area Rural Transport, a state rideshare program available to anyone over 18 years old. Users must fill out an application and might have a copay depending on eligibility and ride distance.

Slater said applicants usually hear back in 1 to 3 business days.

ANR operates ride services between 3:45 a.m. and 9 p.m. and requests at least 48 hours notice for scheduling.

While Slater hasn’t seen increases, he has seen decreases in ridership for the Medical Assistance Transportation Program. He added he’s concerned people aren’t using a service they’re eligible for.

The program allows people to schedule transportation for medical appoints and, if they have a vehicle, they can get reimbursed for driving their own vehicle to medical appointments.

“You’re getting reimbursed for driving you’re already doing anyhow,” Slater said.

The program also added transportation to psychiatric rehab starting Jan. 1.

“We’re here to help people. We’re here to help the community,” Slater said.