Chesterfield highlights successful programs
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Last week at the county board meeting, Deputy County Administrator Becky Dickson lauded Access Chesterfield, the county's program to provide non-emergency transportation to disabled, elderly and low income persons. Begun in 2004 with a $900,000 investment, it is expected to cost about $200,000 annually.

Customers are first screened to make sure they qualify, and then pay 30 percent of the actual cost of transportation. The average trip of 11 miles costs $24.32 with the rider paying $7.32. Trips are reserved 1-4 days in advance and are available 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays with Van Go, the county's contract vendor.

About 65 percent of the riders are disabled, 32 percent are elderly and three percent are low income. Some riders may crossover the categories. County data lists riders based on how they chose to qualify for the program.

"The low ridership for low income persons is probably because of the price," speculated Dickson. At the beginning of the program, riders paid just $5 per trip.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, there were 18,370 trips throughout the Richmond metro. Of the trips, 45 percent were for medical appointments, 36 percent for work, five percent to go to school and 14 percent for leisure activities.

Riders live throughout the county, but most reside in eastern Chesterfield in either the Bermuda or Dale districts. Expanding the program is under consideration.

Decal program

Treasurer Richard Cordle told Chesterfield leaders that the program which did away with county decals for vehicles last January "has been a success." In the past, as the June deadline approached for decals, some citizens waited in line up to four hours to purchase a county sticker.

"It has really streamlined the process," said County Administrator Lane Ramsey.

The program charges a flat fee of $20 for vehicle registration even though county residents aren't issued a county sticker as before. Under the previous sticker plan, vehicle owners paid according to the weight of the vehicle up to a maximum of $45.

"A lot more people benefited," said Cordle. But Chesterfield also realized an immediate savings of $100,000 by not having to issue stickers.

Board Chairman Dickie King and Vice Chairman Kelly Miller said they only received about seven citizen complaints between them. Most of those believed they shouldn't have to pay for registration if they didn't receive a sticker.

Previously, not having a sticker was one reason for Chesterfield police to stop a suspicious vehicle, but that option is no longer available. "There has been no real impact to law enforcement," said Ramsey.

The county purchased a computer and Plate Hunter radar gun by Remington- Elsag to search for vehicles that are not registered. When the radar gun is pointed

at a license plate, the computer gives a read out of the owner and address of where that vehicle is registered in Virginia. As part of their duties, four inspectors cruise apartment complexes and shopping centers, looking for unregistered vehicles. Buying another radar gun with a $25,000 price tag is under consideration.