Carbon County is making sure that transportation is available to people who need a ride.

During the county commissioners' meeting on Thursday, the board voted on two items that will guarantee that the Carbon County Community Transit services would be in place for 2016.The actions included adopting the 2015-2016 local match operating resolution certifying operating assistance of $244,429 and listing matching funds of no less than $35,564, which represents a $10,512 increase in state funding over the past allotment; and approve the acceptance of special sections 5333(b) warranty for application to the Small Urban and Rural Program Labor Provisions Assurance form.Commissioners' Chairman Wayne Nothstein said the actions by the board will allow the county to continue maintaining its two ride programs the shared ride and Lynx bus services, which are operated and managed by LANTA but added that the higher match shows that costs continue to rise for these services.Nothstein also noted that the county has received a few complaints about the lack of some routes and are looking to see what can be done.Nothstein said Carbon County is spread out, so services are spread out.The programs in place are available to people if they meet requirements to receive the services for free or if they will pay a minimal fee for the ride.CCCT offers Carbon County residents public transportation within the county and to several points outside of the county,including areas such as Hazleton, Walnutport and the LehighValley Mall in LehighCounty.Services are provided from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.Customers must apply before being able to use the service. For more information on times of services or reserving a ride, call the Easton Coach Company in Nesquehoning at 570-669-6380 or visit

www.carboncounty.com/index.php/2-uncategorised/131-public-transportation.