Mark Carroll’s vehicle broke down several weeks ago as he was driving to Murfreesboro. Without transportation, he was left to make his way around town on foot. 

That was before he learned about two UCHRA buses which run established routes around the city of McMinnville six days a week.

“I’d been walking everywhere for about two weeks,” said Carroll from the front seat of a UCHRA bus. “Then somebody told me about this and it’s been great. We’ve been using it all the time.”

Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency established two bus routes in McMinnville last September. The buses make stops around town and can also be flagged down by someone needing a ride.

The cost is just $1 to ride, or 50 cents for a disabled person or anyone over 60.

“Our number of riders are always higher at the first of the month,” said UCHRA county coordinator Carrie Baker. “It’s a great service for anyone who needs transportation. The routes go by apartments and the major shopping areas. They can be used for doctor appointments.”

Drew Parson is one of the local residents utilizing this one-year-old service.

“We ride two or three times a week and really enjoy it,” said Drew, who was riding the bus with his wife, Loretta.

Baker says some people are using the buses to get back and forth to work.

The UCHRA buses made their debut last year during the Warren County A&L Fair, transporting people to the fairgrounds for Senior Day.

Bus route hours are Monday thru Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.