Flint, Mich.'s MTA expands 'Ride to Groceries' program

Flint, Mich.’s Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) will be expanding the “Ride to Groceries” service throughout Genesee County with the addition of nine specially-equipped propane vehicles.

The vehicles' specialty wraps, which were purchased by Health Alliance Plan (HAP) of Michigan, are on the propane vehicles that will be assigned to “Your Ride” service centers to transport passengers in various locations across Genesee County. The vehicles, which hold 10 to 12 passengers, have conveniently placed racks for grocery purchases. The service will cover Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flushing, Flint, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Mt. Morris, Otisville and Swartz Creek.

The “Ride to Groceries” service was created last year to offset the closing of grocery stores, in what is known as “food deserts,” by definition, areas where there are no convenient or accessible grocery stores.

MTA created the “Ride to Groceries” service in order to transport passengers living in food desert locations to stores in other areas for their food and essentials.

All scheduling is done through the local Your Ride offices and normal scheduling procedures will be utilized. Passengers may set up daily, weekly or even bi-monthly transportation schedules for the service. The service is open to everyone.