Photo by Keith Stewart
Patricia Reid is one Sullivan resident who regularly uses the Central Illinois Public Transit system, including last Wednesday when she needed a ride to her doctor’s appointment.

The Illinois budget has the possibility of affecting services

•August 19, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
Reporting in Sullivan

It is easy to take your mode of transportation for granted when it is readily available-whether it is the car in your garage or a ride from a friend or family member. But when you don’t have a way to get to doctor’s appointments or even the grocery store, it can be frustrating. Those who don’t have other means of getting from one place to another, depend on public transportation. For some, it is their only way to gain some type of independence.

“It is important to get around for every day needs such as going to store and doctor appointments. Without it, I would never get to the doctor because I have no other way,” commented Patricia Reid, who often uses the bus from CIPT (Central Illinois Public Transportation). “Without the bus, I would have to go to the nursing home because I wouldn’t be able to get around anywhere and I can’t walk that far,” she added.

Sandy Siler, who also takes advantage of services from CIPT, depends on public transportation. “My husband died two years ago, and I am disabled. I can’t walk and if Ii didn’t have it to transport me and my scooter, I wouldn’t be going anywhere and I would stay at home all the time,” she said.

CIPT has been in business for 30 years, offering public transportation to anyone needs it. While it is viable for seniors and disabled, anybody can ride the bus. It gives those who ride a sense of independence and security by knowing that they can see their doctors, purchase groceries and still get out every once in awhile and not be stuck at home. “We give them their freedom back by being a part of the community and continuing with their daily lives,” quoted Dennis Shiley, the director of CIPT.      Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.