By Marley Malenfant/feature editor
People who live in Hurst, Euless or Bedford and have limited transportation can get a ride to school or work in the HEB area for free.
HEB residents can use HEB Transit if they’re coming from a low-income family and have no car to get around.
The program started in August 2006. United Way helped fund the program, and the American Red Cross’ Chisholm Trail Chapter operates the service.
Ongoing operations come from a federal grant.
NE student Nira Yenga doesn’t have a car. She said she got the word about HEB Transit through her mother.
“I’ve been using it for about a year now,” she said. “I use it to take me to school. Sometimes I use it to take me to work but not all the time.”
To qualify, people have to call one of six participating organizations: The Christian Connection, Mission Central, NEED Center East, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church or 6 Stones.
People who qualify receive a transit pass for the service. Once the pass is received, the person must schedule a ride and will get picked up in a bus.
The service currently operates 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Senior transportation planner James Powell said many people depend on the program.
“It’s an honor system,” he said. “There isn’t a ‘Provide us with your W-2 form from last year.’ People who need it will find it.”
Powell said United Way helped jump-start the program and also got money from federal grants.
“United Way gave $25,000 back in 2005 as seed money,” she said. “The other half came from grants and community money.”
NE student Elizabeth Baltimore, who is blind, said she’s used the HEB Transit system since 2006.
“Right now, I use it once a week since I’m only taking one class,” she said. “During the summer, I’d use it four times a week. I don’t really go anywhere else but school and back home. I’m an independent person.”
Powell said the program will expand its services in June.
“Services are going to run through midnight and will have a Saturday service,” he said.
