Train service left Walworth County in the 1970s---and---bus service---long before that in the 1940s----but---with the new year all Walworth County residents, regardless of age or income, finally have an affordable way to get from town to town throughout the county. The county is expanding a shared-ride taxi service for the disabled and elderly into a six-day-a-week service that any resident can use, and many lower income citizens badly need. The service is provided by VIP Service of Elkhorn.
County Board President Nancy Russell started talks three years ago to gauge a solution. Transportation Consultant Dave Lowe and other experts then learned from a year of listening sessions that residents want a shared-ride taxi service that costs a few dollars, not a limo or taxi that could cost between $20 and $25. Lowe says the biggest benefactors may well be low-income residents needing transportation to work and students needing a means to get around. The same folks you see in Kenosha and Milwaukee on public transit….something the Walworth County public finally has again. For a fee schedule and to arrange a ride, Walworth County residents should call 262-723-4043, ext. 161.