All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

City council ups contribution to Country Roads Transit so Clarksburg route can continue

Laura Ward, director of Country Roads Transit (file photo)
Laura Ward, director of Country Roads Transit (file photo)

BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon City Council recently approved a request from Country Roads Transit for $15,000 this year — a $5,000 increase that will allow the route to medical facilities in Clarksburg to continue to operate.

Country Roads Transit director Laura Ward attended the Jan. 20 meeting via telephone to request continued support from the council. CRT operates on a grant that requires them to raise 50 percent of their funding as a match.

“That means every dollar you invest in your citizens that utilize public transit is actually $2,” Ward said. “There are very few investments you can make where your impact is doubled.”

Ward emphasized the importance of having a mode of public transportation locally.

“Most of you in that room didn’t think twice about how you would get to that meeting, but what if you didn’t have a car? What if you were disabled? What if you were unable to drive? What if you had no family in the area? Or no one available to transport?” Ward asked. “How would you get to work? How would you get to your doctor’s appointment, shop for groceries, or get to the pharmacy? Lack of transportation is truly a life-altering, health-altering problem.”

During the fiscal year 2021, Country Roads Transit facilitated 4,831 rides to employment opportunities, for medical reasons, or for shopping and socialization.

“You will notice that the number of rides is actually down somewhat from previous years, because Country Roads Transit has felt a significant impact from COVID-19,” Ward said. “Beginning in March 2020, we modified services for a short time thereafter, but I’m really proud and thankful that even though our drivers were asked to take on extra disinfecting duties and wear uncomfortable PPE, and they were at risk of exposure due to the nature of their jobs and the confined space in which they work, I never heard one complaint from a single driver the entire time, and we thank them for that.”

Even amidst the pandemic, Ward said the organization is working to expand their services.

“In fact, last year I brought you an example of an unmet need that we felt was a very high priority, which was a route from Elkins and Buckhannon to the Clarksburg area medical facilities,” Ward said. “A lot of veterans were struggling to find transportation to the VA hospital in Clarksburg; the volunteer service that once got them there was no longer functional, and it left a lot of veterans wondering how to get there.”

Country Roads Transit requested permission from the West Virginia Division of Public Transit to expand their services to the Clarksburg area.

“They generously agreed to provide us that service — that’s a big investment on their part,” Ward said. “Since transit is 50/50 we had 50 percent of the funds. We had 50 percent of the estimated $40,000 budget, and we were planning on performing the service two days a week — Monday and Wednesday one week, Tuesday and Thursday another week.”

Ward said she approached several entities last year, including city council, and requested extra money, but no group chipped in additional funds.

“We needed to raise $20,000 to make that work, and not a single entity was able to come up with an additional dollar for that service, but luckily, we were given extra federal funding due to COVID and that allowed us to launch the program with no additional match,” Ward said.

Ward requested an additional $5,000 — on top of the city’s normal $10,000 contribution — to continue the Clarksburg route, and council approved the request.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.