News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The UCHRA Transit system is working its way back to full strength after experiencing some staffing issues during the holiday season.
Executive Director Mark Farley said the transit system was lucky that the demand was not as high. Farley said with 130 vehicles in the region on a daily basis, they have to face the pandemic’s challenges head on.
“We’ve never shied away from the work that we have in front of us,” Farley said. “During this whole pandemic, I’ve been very proud of our staff, our drivers especially. They’ve done the work under different circumstances in the last nine months.”
Farley said he does not believe any outbreaks of COVID can be linked to drivers being on the job. He said they provide medical transports for Tenncare and follow those COVID guidelines.
“I don’t know that we’ve had any outbreaks because of things that occur on the job,” Farley said. “In most cases, it’s drivers and our employees that are catching it outside of work. Either from other family members or places where they’ve been.”
Farley said the three fixed routes for UCHRA transit are running everyday. He said this is an essential service, especially during the cold season.
“There are a lot of individuals who need transportation to and from the grocery store, doctor’s office,” Farley said. “They wouldn’t be able to get there without the use of our UCHRA drivers.”
Farley said the UCHRA transit staff is recovering, but not at full strength yet. Other than the three fixed routes, Farley said there is an on demand system for transportation.
