Local transit service adds to fleet

North East Arkansas Transit (NEAT), which offers discounted transportation to all residents in the area, has recently added a cutaway bus to its fleet, which will allow for the transportation of larger groups.

NEAT is a grant-funded program which operates in Mississippi County and the surrounding area under the umbrella of the Crowley's Ridge Development Council. They offer transportation to any resident of a rural area, for shopping, medical appointments, socialization, employment, education or any other need.

There are no requirements for participation based on income, age or disability --anyone living in Mississippi County is eligible, and the transportation is provided to and from anywhere within the county.

Services are also offered in Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Poinsett and St. Francis Counties.

If the pickup and drop-off location are both within the same city, the fare is $4 round-trip. A fare from Blytheville to Osceola is $12 round-trip, and from Blytheville to Manila is $14 round-trip. Riders are asked to contact NEAT at least 24 hours in advance to schedule their ride so that a driver can be made available.

NEAT operates from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule a ride or enquire about fares, call 1-866-336-3691 or 870-932-0836.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com