The Southeast Missouri Transportation Service (SMTS) has been negatively impacted by the rising fuel costs the past few months.
Just as thousands upon thousands of Americans have been forced to tighten their figurative belts, so has the SMTS — which offers local and long-distance transportation services for those in need.
“We are on track to, probably, spend double to what we have budgeted for fuel with the increases that we have,” said Ginny Smith, director of operations for the SMTS. “Currently, right now, we are in the process of cutting back services in every one of our counties.”
The “cuts” to which Smith was referring will go into effect July 1.
“We are looking at, for the people who go places a couple times per week, they will be asked to go one time per week, [or] maybe one time every other per week in some areas,” Smith said. “Basically, [we are] trying to reduce our service to help reduce usage of our vans.”
Future needs and combating the ongoing inflation continue to be of the utmost concern, Smith said.
Of course, the pandemic’s effect still is felt throughout the company, which also has affected the company’s operation.
Added Smith: “We still are recovering from COVID. That’s still one of our biggest pieces. We are trying to get our ridership numbers back up. Telemedicine has become a thing. Those numbers are still down because of people are using telemedicine or telehealth. We still are working on that.”
Official current budget numbers were not available.
_Driver shortage_
Another impact the company is facing during inflation is the need for additional drivers.
Added Smith: “We are working on a driver shortage in pretty much all our counties because Missouri’s minimum wage law has gone up so much; it has affected the other part of our budget. We are trying to be competitive in a world where there is an employee shortage, especially a driver shortage, and then having to come up with additional funds to be able to pay the increased wages that are now required.”
With the shortage in drivers compounding the inflation at the gas pumps, long-distance transportation has also taken a hit.
“We were already cutting down some of those long-distance services to Cape [Girardeau],” said Smith. “We are down to once-a-month in [Poplar Bluff], and even traveling to St. Louis … people still have that need to get to those facilities that are further away.”
To arrange a ride, Smith says to reach out to one of the company’s 21 locations and speak with one of the coordinators.
_A rider’s perspective_
Betty Gauthier is 67-years-old and has utilized the SMTS for approximately seven years.
“They are really good, but the gas prices, that is really hurting them,” Gauthier said. “I love riding the bus. They are kind and friendly. They are good people. If it weren’t for them, I don’t know how I would get around. I have to ride in a wheelchair because of my arthritis.”
Medical appointments and shopping are the primary reasons for Gauthier, she said.
“They usually let me do two stops,” Gauthier said.
On average, Gauthier has used the service once-per-week.
“I have a bunch of doctors I go to,” she said.
_The cost?_
“If you are over the age of 60 or have a verified disability, it will remain a suggested contribution. Basically, the riders are told what we think they should pay for our service, and if they can give half of that we accept it. If they can give the whole amount, that is wonderful.”
Recent cost increases for riders range anywhere from $2 to $5, Smith said.
For a complete rundown of the cost breakdown, please call (573) 783-5505 or visit ridesmts.org/bluff-area-transit/.
If you have qualified for Medicaid, please call Logisticare directly at 1-866-269-5927.