Old Fort Transportation, LLC, owned by Jacqueline and James Sellers, took over public transportation from Pitt-Taxi on Jan. 1, 2019.
Sellers is no stranger to public transportation in Fort Scott.
“In 2003, I started working as the coordinator for Bourbon County Senior Citizen,” Sellers said. “One of my responsibilities was to work with transportation, so I did some of the dispatching and the driving.”
Through the years, Sellers got to know those that used the service.
“Little did I know how much happiness and sorrow was to come,” she said.” I got to meet many of my fellow citizens, and as I grew to know them, I celebrated with them and I have mourned with them. I have taken some to job interviews and then taken them to work. Then had to say ‘see you later’ as they bought their car and were able to drive themselves to work.”
During that period of time public transportation was providing over a thousand rides a month, she said.
“Then in 2014, SEK-CAP (South East Kansas-Community Action Program) took over transportation,” Sellers said. “It was with a heavy heart I watched as many of my transportation family were suffering from the 24-hour notice (SEK-CAP requirement) for transportation and the ridership dwindled. Bourbon County Senior Citizens, then took an active look at better transportation for the city. Pitt-Taxi took over in 2016, and I was asked once again to manage transportation. I have been able to watch transportation grow again.”
In late 2018, the owners of Pitt-Taxi made a decision to retire.
“When the owners of Pitt-Taxi decided to retire, I had to make a decision, and with the support of my husband, James, we decided to take over the transportation here in Fort Scott,” Sellers said. “Thanks to the help of Bourbon County Senior Citizens and the support of the City (of Fort Scott), Old Fort Transportation will continue to provide the needed transportation for our hometown families.”
The business primarily provides transportation in Fort Scott, and when possible, the surrounding areas, she said.
Old Fort Transportation LLC is located at 26 N. Main, in the Bourbon County Senior Citizens Center.
“You can’t miss the vehicles (two vans) parked on Old Fort Blvd., she said.
The phone number is still the same (620)249-1440.
Regular hours of operation are Mon. through Sat. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The full cost of a ride is $6.
“There is a discounted rate of $4 for senior citizens and those who have a commodity card or a Beacon card,” she said.
The public transportation business provides an average of 900 rides a month.
Sellers compiled a list of where she takes passengers:
Shopping – G &W Grocery Store, Walmart, Dollar General, Tractor Supply, Price Chopper Grocery Store, and downtown shops.
Medical appointments – Mercy, Urgent Care, Dr. Kellenburger, Baker Clinic, eye doctors, dentists, WIC, Mental Health clinic, and I Am Rehab.
Work – restaurants and fast food places, Walmart, G and W, Price Chopper, Extrusions, Peerless, Timken, First Source, Valu Merchandise, Nursing homes, and individual homes.
Other- banks, post office, library, Fort Scott Community College, Bourbon County Court House, jail, Fort Scott City Hall, cable office, bill pay centers, automotive repair, nursing home to visit, restaurants and fast food places to eat.