Elgin transportation made easier

CARTS addresses access to social services

A new initiative focused on expanding access to health care services has increased Elgin residents’ options for on-demand transportation.

The Capital Area Rural Transpor tat ion System (CARTS) introduced its CARTS NOW program in Elgin earlier this year, allowing residents to request rides through a mobile app or by calling 512-505-5666. Representatives said the service is part of a larger effort coordinated with Bastrop County Cares (BCC) to make local travel easier, particularly for older adults, residents needing medical care and those without reliable transportation.

“I think it’s a really positive impact just from one month — this is a partnership we plan to carry into next year,” said Madeline Baird, BCC health access coordinator.

The CARTS network offers several options for Bastrop County residents, including the Country Bus, which provides free rides for people 60 and older in rural areas; CARTS NOW, an on-demand service operating within the Elgin and Bastrop city limits; and the Interurban Coach, which runs scheduled routes to Austin.

Passes and program information are available at local distribution sites, including the Elgin Public Library, Elgin Recreation Center and the Bastrop County Cares office.

“Just since launching in September we’ve already seen 52 vouchers distributed here in Elgin benefiting 13 individuals,” Baird said. “The majority of those were used for medical services access as well as those who really need to use the public transport service to get to their jobs.”

Baird said BCC continues working with partners across the county to address transportation as a key barrier to health care and social services. She said the pilot transport support program, CARTS NOW and other services have provided free and discounted rides for residents 60 and older, pregnant individuals and veterans.

For more information or to schedule a ride, visit ridecarts.com or contact Bastrop County Cares.