Busing changes hands in Clinton Township

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Busing won’t change a whole lot, but there will be some improvements. There may even be some familiar faces.

The Richmond Lenox Emergency Medical Services Community Transit program took over Clinton Township’s Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation contract as of July 1. Medstar Ambulance previously provided the service under the contract for residents.

“They’re going to get the same service they’ve always had,” said Jeff White, chief paramedic at Richmond Lenox EMS. “I think that’s been the concern of a number of residents.”

White confirmed that some of the previous full-time drivers are making the switch over to the Richmond Lenox EMS.

“The vehicles will look the same, they will see a number of the same faces there,” White said. “Really it’s just an expansion of what they are already enjoying.”

One large change to the service is the addition of free airport transportation. White said the airport transportation is available to anyone. For those interested, he suggested booking an appointment at least a month in advance. The service is able to schedule pick-ups for departing and returning flights.

The program currently provides rides for residents in Macomb Township, the city of Richmond and Richmond Township, Lenox Township, New Haven, the village of Armada and Armada Township, Memphis, Chesterfield Township, New Baltimore and Ray Township. The communities will all be accessible by Clinton Township residents with the new service.

The service does not require proof of residence to utilize it, according to White. As long as you’re at a resident’s home in the township, or one of the municipalities the authority serves, you can get a ride.

“We base this on where we’re picking you up,” White said. “We don’t ask any questions about who’s getting on the bus.”

The Clinton Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a transfer to the service at its April 15 meeting.

The service is funded by the SMART millage, which residents pay for in taxes. While the service is geared toward seniors and disabled people, everyone is able to utilize it.

“Because everybody in the township pays a tax, we do not limit it to seniors and disabled (people),” White said. “However, we certainly do most of our marketing to the seniors and disabled.”

Richmond Lenox EMS has been around since 1975. White said it’s an authority, with a board made up of township board members from Richmond and Lenox.

The service picks up passengers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday it runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The airport shuttle picks up passengers from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Residents can book an appointment by calling (586) 749-7713 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. White said there is no limit on how far in advance you can book an appointment. He said Mondays are typically the busiest days to call to schedule a ride. If a resident does not get in touch with a representative, they can leave a message and get a call back the same day.