BY C.J. CARNACCHIO
Oxford Leader Editor
Free public transportation. Lifeline. Vital service. Community asset.
These are all ways to describe the North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) and the integral role it plays in Oxford, Addison and Orion townships on a daily basis.
Now the term ‘award winner? can be added to that list.
The three townships that makeup NOTA were honored Jan. 27 with a 2004 ‘Excellence in Township Government? award by the Michigan Townships Association (MTA). The award was presented in the ‘Excellence in Intergovernmental Relations? category.
The award is designed ‘to reward and highlight the outstanding achievements of dedicated townships,? according to the MTA’s website.
?(NOTA) shows governments can work together for the betterment of their communities and save money,? said Pat Fitchena, executive director of NOTA and Oxford Township Trustee. ‘We’re very, very proud of this award.?
Established in 2001, NOTA provides free transportation to senior citizens, mentally and physically disabled individuals and welfare-to-work program participants living in Oxford, Addison and Orion townships and their respective villages.
With a fleet of seven vans and one minibus driven by 15 part-time drivers, NOTA transports its many qualified riders to doctor and medical appointments (such as dialysis), local senior centers, grocery stores, hair salons and barber shops, churches, jobs and entertainment events such as concerts in the park.
‘The demand is becoming so great, it’s incredible,? Fitchena said noting two more vehicles will be added to the fleet ‘probably by the end of March.?
From January and December 2004, NOTA made between 1,500 and 2,500 one-way trips per month (an average of approximately 2,000 trips), driving a total of 242,327 miles for the year.
‘Without an accident,? Fitchena proudly added.
Fitchena explained NOTA and its predecessor, the Oxford-Addison Transportation Authority, ‘never had an accident in its history that was its fault.?
When asked why she believes NOTA works so well as an intergovernmental entity, Fitchena replied, ‘Because the politics are taken out completely.?
‘Politics never enters into the NOTA arena,? she said. ‘The main issue is the people in each one of our communities. We all care about those people.?
‘The three communities work well together in NOTA,? Fitchena said. ‘There are no hiccups. It runs very smoothly. Everybody seems to be real pleased with it.?
For more information about NOTA call (248) 236-9273.