A Farewell Note: Reflecting on Progress and Looking Ahead
As I write this, it marks my final introduction for Hills and Highways, and I want to take a moment to share how meaningful this journey has been. Over the past few years, it’s been an honor to highlight both the successes and the ongoing challenges of transportation and mobility in rural Southeast Ohio. This region is unique in its geography, resilience and the dedication of those working every day to improve access for all.
This edition of the newsletter is a little different—because there was so much exciting content to share, we’ve produced two versions: a print version with select articles, and a full digital edition available online. If you’re reading the printed copy, I encourage you to also explore the complete edition online for even more stories from across our region.
One ongoing challenge frequently raised in local transportation meetings is the limited access to dialysis care within our region. At present, only Athens, Hocking, and Washington counties have dialysis centers, leaving residents in the remaining counties to travel out of county—often three times per week—for life-sustaining treatment. For many, securing consistent out-of-county transportation is both difficult and burdensome. After bringing this concern to the Perry County Transportation Advisory Committee, I was encouraged to learn that community members are actively working to establish a dialysis center in their area. This effort serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts at the local level.
Another significant development has been the recent cuts to regional transportation programs by ODOT. These changes resulted in the elimination of half the regional mobility management positions statewide, including my own at Buckeye Hills Regional Council, as well as the closure of all regional call centers, including our Region 8 Solution Center. Some transit agencies have had to reduce services in response to tightening budgets. Yet despite these challenges, there’s good news: every county in our region continues to have both a public transit agency and a local mobility manager, including two newly hired professionals in Meigs and Perry counties who you’ll meet in this issue.
This edition also highlights some of the many success stories in our region: new accessible vehicles at our senior centers, the launch of a transit hub, year-long free fare programs, and much more. Yes, transportation challenges remain—but we are fortunate to have dedicated, passionate professionals across agencies working hard to find solutions.
I remain optimistic about the future of mobility in Southeast Ohio and deeply grateful to have been part of this work.
Until we meet again,
Christa Myers
Lifting a Voice for Transit at the Statehouse
Ben Ziff, HAPCAP’s Mobility Manager for Athens and Hocking Counties, joined transit partners from across Ohio this spring to advocate for continued state funding for public transportation. As part of the biennial budget process, Ben provided testimony before both the Ohio House Transportation Committee in February and the Senate Finance Committee in March, underscoring the essential role transit plays in connecting rural communities.
In March, he also spoke on a transportation panel during Developmental Disability Awareness & Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse. Joined by Davey McNelly, Executive Director of SOCIL, the two emphasized the importance of accessible, inclusive transit options that support independence and quality of life for all Ohioans.
Travel Training with a Twist: Seniors Ride into History
In rural communities like Nelsonville, Ohio, public transit can feel unfamiliar—even intimidating—for those who didn’t grow up using it. But a recent initiative is changing that, one joyful ride at a time.
Ben Ziff, Mobility Manager for Athens County discovered during a travel training session that local seniors were curious about using public transit for social outings. Inspired, HAPCAP and the Athens City-County Health Department teamed up to organize something special: a group bus trip from the Nelsonville Senior Center to the Southeast Ohio History Center in Athens.
Thanks to a recent sponsorship from AmeriHealth Caritas, participants received free fare passes for both fixed-route and demand response services. The group learned how to use the nearby hail zone stop, boarded the bus, and enjoyed a guided historical tour—then rode back home, more confident and connected.
Ben shared helpful tips, including using the Passio GO! app to track buses in real time, looking for the route number at the front of the bus and asking drivers for help when needed. Amy Lipka and Meredith Erdewine, from the Health Department surveyed participants and found that 80% of participants said they were more confident after the field trip and 100% said they would consider using Athens Public Transit in the future.
Noble County Seniors Benefit from New Accessible Transportation Bus
Noble County senior citizens are now enjoying improved transportation services thanks to a new vehicle provided by the Noble County Board of Commissioners. The bus is used to transport local seniors to the Joyce M. Davis Senior Center for congregate meals and to help with other needs of the senior community.
The driver noted that the new bus offers ample space and comfort for all passengers, including accommodations for two wheelchair users. This investment enhances accessibility and supports the county’s ongoing commitment to meeting the mobility needs of its older adult population.
Expanding Food Access Through Partnerships
On April 10, six local organizations joined forces to tackle food insecurity and expand access to healthy, nutritious foods for Perry County residents. This collaborative effort focused on supporting residents of Sugar Tree Terrace, who were given the opportunity to visit a supermarket-style (choice) food pantry known as The Market.
Participants were able to choose from a wide variety of fresh produce, proteins, and shelf-stable items—empowering them to select the foods they enjoy and need, much like a traditional grocery store experience. One resident even gathered ingredients to make lasagna, underscoring the dignity and independence that comes with choice.
The effort was led by a coalition of partners: Perry County Transit, Perry County Mobility Management, United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties, Perry County Health Department, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) and the Southeast Ohio Foodbank and Kitchen.
The initiative stemmed from a simple act of service—when a resident at Sugar Tree Apartments needed food, a Perry County Transit ride was arranged through United Way funding. The successful trip inspired a larger group outing, coordinated with the help of Perry County Health Department and Mobility Management.
Six residents participated in this group visit, with transportation costs fully covered by United Way’s transit assistance grant. Lisa Leckrone, Perry County Mobility Manager, also spoke to participants about transportation challenges and how programs like The Market differ from traditional food pantries. Jacynta Jackson, HAPCAP’s new Food Access & Workforce Development Coordinator, provided insights on The Market’s layout and operations.
While no additional trips have been scheduled yet, individual transportation assistance remains available, and interest continues to grow. This partnership is a powerful example of how creative, coordinated transportation solutions can open doors to essential resources and promote well-being in our communities.
Walk Audit Highlights Accessibility Gaps Across Hocking County
The HAPCAP Mobility team recently conducted a comprehensive walk audit in Hocking County to assess pedestrian infrastructure and identify barriers to safe, accessible travel. Findings from the audit are expected to be available by the end of August and will directly inform the development of the Hocking County Active Transportation Plan, led by Toole Design Group and funded by Buckeye Hills Regional Council.
Using cell phone traffic data to identify the 20 most-traveled one-mile trips throughout the county—in Logan, Laurelville, and Carbon Hill—the team conducted on-the-ground assessments of each route, walking both sides of the street for a total of 40 audited segments. Each route was documented through photos, detailed field notes and basic data collection, with special attention to ADA accessibility, pedestrian safety and ease of navigation.
Preliminary observations revealed significant concerns. Sidewalk availability and conditions were inconsistent, and in many cases, sidewalks were impassable or absent entirely. Road crossings were often poorly marked and overwhelmingly inaccessible to individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. On several occasions, wheelchair users were observed traveling in roadways due to sidewalks being non-rollable or blocked. While recent streetscape improvements in Downtown Logan have enhanced accessibility for certain routes, widespread gaps remain across the county.
In addition to supporting the Active Transportation Plan, the audit aims to provide actionable data for local stakeholders pursuing grants and other initiatives to improve infrastructure. The full findings will be made available upon request to community organizations, task forces/coalitions and planning committees.
For more information or to request access to audit data, contact HAPCAP Mobility Management.
Buckeye Southeast Transit: A Fresh Start for Monroe, Morgan, and Noble Counties and a Lifeline for Local Riders
As of July 1, 2025, public transportation in the three counties of the north-east part of our BHRC region has a new name—and a renewed mission. Morgan County Public Transit (MCPT) has officially expanded its services to include Noble and Monroe Counties under the new regional brand: Buckeye Southeast Transit.
The rebranding is more than cosmetic. It reflects a stronger, more unified approach to rural public transportation—one that is already making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. Recognizing the importance of demonstrating that impact, Noble County Commissioner Alan Fraley has requested monthly success stories to share with his fellow commissioners. As a major funder of public transit in the county, the commission wants to see firsthand how these services are benefiting the community.
The first success story was shared in February 2025 by Dawn Mason, Noble County Program Coordinator, in collaboration with Julia Hinzman, Mobility Manager at Buckeye Hills Regional Council.
It highlights one of the service’s earliest—and now most loyal—riders. This resident took his first trip with Noble County Public Transit (NCPT) on July 2, 2024, just one day after the new service launched. Initially, he relied on the transit system for medical appointments. But as he became familiar with the range of available services, his usage quickly expanded. Today, he uses transit for nearly everything: trips to the grocery store, job interviews, social visits, out-of-town errands to Guernsey and Muskingum Counties, and even moving into his new home. With no personal vehicle, public transportation has been a game-changer. “Currently, he has a ride scheduled every day this week—and sometimes even multiple rides per day,” said Mason. “We’re thrilled to be able to meet this need and support the independence of our neighbors in Noble County.”
Stories like this underscore the essential role public transit plays in rural communities—not just as a means of transportation, but as a gateway to opportunity, connection, and improved quality of life. Buckeye Southeast Transit looks forward to sharing many more stories as it continues to serve Monroe, Morgan, and Noble Counties.
Regional Mobility Professionals Attend Statewide Ohio Travel Trainers Gathering
Four mobility professionals from our region attended the Ohio Travel Trainers’ spring meeting hosted by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, Ohio. Ben Ziff and Joel Nadler from HAPCAP Mobility, Lisa Leckrone from Perry County Transit and Christa Myers from Buckeye Hills Regional Council found the information sessions and tours at three different COTA locations both valuable and engaging.
The day began at COTA’s McKinley Avenue facility with introductions, organizational updates, and a behind-the-scenes tour led by COTA’s Wes Oliver. Attendees then boarded a COTA bus together and traveled downtown to COTA’s HW on High Street for a series of presentations on innovative tools like Magnuscards, Safe Routes to School (SRS) programming, and regional planning updates from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). An immersive augmented reality (AR) experience helped participants better understand LinkUS, COTA’s comprehensive mobility and transit expansion effort.
The afternoon wrapped up with a visit to COTA’s Mobility Services and Assessment Center on Fields Avenue, where participants explored inclusive mobility efforts from the Age-Friendly Innovation Center, the OSU Seating Clinic and experienced an interactive overview of COTA’s Mobility Services, including COTA//Plus on-demand transportation.
“Travel Training is an important part of mobility across the state, allowing Mobility Managers to deliver one-on-one, individualized services designed to promote the independent travel of older adults and people with disabilities boarding public transit systems,” said Lisa Leckrone, Mobility Manager at Perry County Transit.
“Travel Training can look very different in large urban and suburban settings versus small rural settings,” added Christa Myers, Mobility Coordinator at Buckeye Hills Regional Council. “Of course, it is great to see all that COTA has to offer and where their system is moving, but it was also helpful to hear about programs that work in rural demand response systems too. I think it is important to know about their Bus Rapid Transit program, called LinkUS, since this could be the link between rural drivers who do not feel comfortable driving in Columbus and their access to the amenities Columbus has to offer by using car parks at the outer edge of the bus systems.” This statewide event provided a hands-on look at best practices, new tools and inclusive innovations that are helping shape accessible transit across Ohio.
Regional Voices Featured at the 2025 Ohio Active Transportation Conference
In April, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) hosted the inaugural 2025 Active Transportation Conference on the campus of the Ohio State University in Columbus. The event, led by Caitlin Harley, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School & Active Transportation Manager, focused on best practices and innovative strategies to advance walking and biking throughout Ohio. Cait shared “The AT conference featured local decision-makers in Ohio talking about why active transportation matters to their community and how they are leading the way. Combined with a room full of incredible partners and practitioners from both big cities and small towns– this two-day event was a reminder that we have the tools available now to make our communities more walkable and bikeable today and in the future!” The conference brought together planners, public officials, health professionals, and advocates from across the state.
Several voices from the Buckeye Hills Regional Council (BHRC) region were featured prominently. Mayor Jim Ullman of the Village of Beverly (Washington County) reflected on how a guided bike ride with Catherine Girves of Toole Design in downtown Marietta sparked his interest in active transportation. That experience led to continued engagement in mobility planning for his community. Meredith Erdewine, Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Coordinator with the Athens City-County Health Department, shared updates from the county’s CHC coalition and highlighted progress on Athens County’s new Active Transportation Plan. Her presentation emphasized the importance of community collaboration and health equity in mobility initiatives.
Over twenty attendees, hailing from the BHRC’s 8 county area, participated in the event, demonstrating the region’s strong commitment to active transportation. Notably, one participant combined public and active travel modes to reach the conference—riding the GoBus to Columbus and continuing by e-bike through the city. Rob Delach (pictured) shared his experience as an example of how rural residents can successfully use multimodal transportation to access urban events and resources.
The conference served as both a learning and networking opportunity, highlighting the important role rural communities play in shaping Ohio’s active transportation future.
Moving Forward: Regional and County Plans Promote Active Transportation
Buckeye Hills Regional Council (BHRC) is making significant progress in enhancing mobility and safety through two Active Transportation Plans. One plan focuses specifically on Hocking County, while the other is a broader regional effort financed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). These plans aim to identify priority routes and infrastructure needs for walking, biking, and other non-motorized forms of transportation, particularly for residents who depend on these options for their daily commute.
The plan for Hocking County is expected to be completed by August 2025. However, the regional initiative, which includes all eight BHRC counties, is in its early stages, with community engagement set to begin in July. “These plans will help us prioritize safe and connected routes so that residents—especially those without access to a car—can reach jobs, schools, parks, and essential services” said Eric Wade, BHRC Senior Planner. The outcomes will include a clear set of recommendations and projects that can be utilized for funding applications and to inform local decision-making.
Expanding Access and Active Living Through Bike Lending Program
Bike lending programs are gaining momentum across the region, thanks to support from the Ohio Department of Health’s Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) initiative. These programs promote physical activity and provide alternative transportation options—especially for residents without access to a personal vehicle.
Currently, Athens and Meigs counties operate their bike lending programs through their local public libraries, while Perry County offers its program through the county’s public transit system and mobility management program. Each program operates with its own set of policies, including borrowing time limits, available bike types and liability waivers. Despite these differences, the goal remains consistent: to promote healthier lifestyles and improve mobility within our communities.
Eric Reed, Local Programs Manager at ODOT District 10, reflected on the cultural significance of biking: “As a child of the 80s and 90s, my bike was my social media. It took me places, allowed me to connect with friends, and was the catalyst for making memories. Though technology has changed the world dramatically, I still see immense value in promoting the bike as a ‘cool’ part of life in SE Ohio, be it as a tool for work, tourism or simply connecting with friends.”
Inspired by these successful models, Nikki Hankison of the Hocking County Health Department has expressed interest in developing a similar program in Hocking County. Her interest was sparked during a stakeholder meeting for the Hocking County Active Transportation Plan, led by Catherine Girves of Toole Design. Hankison noted the potential for such a program to support both transportation and wellness needs in the county.
As the region continues to prioritize active transportation and accessible mobility, bike lending programs serve as a promising tool to support community health, independence and connectivity.
New Program Expands Accessibility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities in Monroe and Noble Counties
Buckeye Hills Regional Council’s Mobility Managers, Kelly Isaly and Julia Hinzman, are collaborating on an innovative program designed to make grocery shopping easier for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The initiative aligns with accessibility goals identified in the recently updated Coordinated Transportation Plan.
Monroe County received grant funding from the Monroe County Community Foundation (MCCF), a geographic affiliate of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, which supports projects that enhance quality of life for local residents. Noble County received funding from the Noble County Health Department, an agency committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, and building a healthier future for the community.
The grants will be used to purchase foldable grocery carts that can be loaned to residents, helping them transport groceries more easily and safely. Funding will cover the carts, signage, and possible securing devices. Kelly and Julia are working with Buckeye Southeast Transit to finalize program details, with the goal of launching in late fall.
Meigs County Celebrates Grand Opening of Transportation Hub
Meigs County marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its new Transportation Hub in Pomeroy, Ohio. The celebration, which included a ceremonial ribbon cutting, brought together state and local leaders, agency partners, and community members. Among the special guests was Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, who spoke at the event and applauded the community’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and access.
The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a central location for multiple essential services, including:
- Meigs County Public Transit
- Meigs County Veterans Service Office
- Meigs County Title Office
- Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
This development is especially meaningful for Meigs County Public Transit, one of the youngest systems in the region. The new hub not only provides a permanent and visible home for transit operations but also symbolizes the county’s growing investment in transportation and public services.
Meigs County Jobs and Family Services leadership shared that the new building represents progress, stability, and improved access for the community—made possible through support at the local, regional, and state levels. They emphasized that the milestone reflects strong collaboration, dedicated leadership, and the hard work of an incredible team. They noted that the staff’s daily commitment truly makes a difference and expressed pride in celebrating this moment together. It’s a significant time for Meigs County—marked by progress, partnership, and purpose.
The Transportation Hub represents more than a building—it’s a step forward for residents who rely on these services daily. By co-locating agencies under one roof, the county is improving convenience, coordination, and access for veterans, drivers, and transit riders alike.
This celebration marks a new chapter for Meigs County and reflects what is possible through shared vision and leadership.
Strouds Run State Park Unveils New Inclusive Playground and Accessible Amenities
Strouds Run State Park, located in Athens County, celebrated the opening of several new accessibility-focused features with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The improvements are located at the beach area and include an inclusive playground, an accessible beach walkway and kayak launch, and an upgraded accessible restroom. Three distinct projects, developed by three different partners, resulted in significant improvements at the beach.
In 2023, the Athens City-County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Program formed a working group to plan and fundraise for an accessible walking path to the beach.
“Our project expanded to include an accessible kayak launch, and along the way we attracted the attention of the state and other organizations who decided to make additional investments in accessibility at Strouds Run,” says Meredith Erlewine, CHC Coordinator at the health department. “It is incredible how much has happened since we started with simple idea of making the beach accessible. It demonstrates there is a need for and excitement about making outdoor spaces where everyone can play together.”
Athens City-County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Communities program collaborated with the Ohio State Parks Foundation and many local partners and funders to install the accessible beach walkway and kayak launch. The Ohio Association of Health Plans funded the inclusive playground, which is accessible via the new accessible walkway. OACP’s support reflects its commitment to community health and access to safe recreational spaces. ODNR funded the new ADA-compliant restroom, located adjacent to the beach.
Local advocates, including the Friends of Strouds Run group, also played a critical role in the project’s success through continued support and engagement. “This project demonstrates the power of partnership and the importance of creating outdoor spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Brian Blair, Ohio State Parks Foundation board trustee.
Athens County Launches Free Public Transit for a Year
In April, Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) partnered with AmeriHealth Caritas to offer free public transit for one year to riders of Athens Public Transit and Athens On Demand. The initiative eliminates fare costs for both fixed-route and demand response services, significantly improving transportation access across the county.
“The community reaction has been amazing,” said Carolyn Conley, HAPCAP Transportation Director. “We’re already seeing a significant increase in ridership across both systems.”
Since the launch, Athens Public Transit ridership has increased by 15%, with demand response usage rising by 3%. While the demand response system was already operating near full capacity, fixed-route buses are beginning to experience crowding on select lines. Ben Ziff, HAPCAP Mobility Manager, noted that the agency is exploring options to add larger vehicles or shift rider behavior to less crowded routes.
This innovative partnership demonstrates the power of removing financial barriers to transit and supports greater mobility and equity for public transit riders in Athens County.
CarFit 2025: Expanding Access and Impact Across the Region
In 2025, a key change to the national CarFit program is the transition in leadership to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association). Despite the shift, Region 8’s mobility managers have continued to expand the program’s reach through successful partnerships and local events.
Since January, four CarFit events have been held in collaboration with various community partners:
- Athens County: Mobility Manager Ben Ziff partnered with Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Age-Friendly Athens.
- Noble County: Mobility Manager Julia Hinzman worked with the Joyce M. Davis Senior Center.
- Perry County: Mobility Manager Lisa Leckrone hosted a CarFit during an Elder Abuse Awareness Day event in partnership with Perry County Jobs and Family Services.
- Washington County: Mobility Manager Julia Hinzman worked with Marietta Memorial Hospital.
In May, Ben Ziff led his first CarFit training and event in Athens, training over 40 new CarFit technicians. Julia Hinzman, now in her second year organizing CarFit programs, hosted a successful event in Marietta with support from Marietta Memorial’s occupational therapy team. Her event had the highest attendance in 2025 so far, engaging exclusively with her target audience—senior drivers.
Julia has also introduced a modified CarFit session tailored for local driver’s education students. This spring, she was joined by Washington County Commissioner James Booth, a certified CarFit technician, in delivering one of these sessions.
Fall CarFit Events in Our Region:
- Monroe County: Thursday, September 11 from noon-3pm at Old Rite Aide Parking Lot in Woodsfield
- Washington County: Wednesday, September 17 from 11am-2pm at O’Neill Senior Center in Marietta
- Hocking County: Friday, October 17 from 9am-noon at Scenic Hills Senior Center in Logan
- Meigs County: TBD
- Morgan County: Thursday, October 23 (time and location TBD)
Spotlight
The O’Neil Senior Center, serving Washington County, has been awarded a FY26 Specialized Transportation Program (Section 5310) grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). This competitive funding will support the purchase of a replacement vehicle and updated computer hardware to enhance senior transportation services.
O’Neil Senior Center is the only agency in the Buckeye Hills Regional Council (BHRC) region to receive 5310 funding for vehicle purchase this cycle. Connie Huntsman, Executive Director of the O’Neil Senior Center, expressed her appreciation for the grant and emphasized its impact on the center’s ability to continue providing safe, reliable transportation for older adults in the county.
The 5310 program operates on an 80/20 cost-share basis—ODOT covers 80% of the eligible project costs, while the remaining 20% must be provided locally. To meet the required match, the Center will engage in community outreach and fundraising efforts.
We commend the O’Neil Senior Center for its dedication to improving mobility for older adults and thank ODOT for its continued investment in rural and specialized transportation.
Impact Stories
- In April 2025, during National Library Week, Athens County Public Libraries sponsored free rides on Athens Public Transit and Athens On Demand Transit. A call came in from a family in The Plains who had no way to get food—no transportation, no support system, and no money to buy groceries. Because of the library’s free rides, the local mobility manager was able to show them how to take the bus to the Athens County Food Pantry at Jobs & Family Services. That simple connection made all the difference, and it really highlighted how vital access to transportation is for meeting basic needs.
- During Travel Training for the Nelsonville Senior Center, a local mobility manager accompanied senior citizens from Nelsonville to Athens on the Athens Public Transit bus when a couple of bus riders recognized them from a Project Search training that was held at OhioHealth O’Bleness the previous spring. They told the mobility manager how much they appreciated learning about the bus and that they’d been using it at least twice a week ever since. They were even more excited to share that they love the free rides thanks to the AmeriHealth Caritas sponsorship. Moments like that show the lasting impact travel training can have.
Welcome New Staff
 Perry County
Steve Janiszewski |
 Meigs and Gallia County
Robin Payne |
Thank You, Lisa Leckrone, for 11 Years of Dedicated Service
Buckeye Hills Regional Council extends heartfelt thanks to Lisa Leckrone for her 11 years of service supporting transportation access in Perry County. Lisa spent four years in public transit operations and seven years as the county’s Mobility Manager, where she also led the launch and management of a regional transportation call center that served countless residents.
Chasity Schmelzenbach, Executive Director of BHRC, shared her appreciation: “We are grateful for Lisa’s commitment to improving mobility in Perry County and across the region. Her partnership has been invaluable to our shared efforts to serve communities in need.”
We wish Lisa the very best in her next chapter and thank her for her dedication to making transportation more accessible for all.
Are you interested in transportation in your community?
Your county mobility manager is responsible for updating your local Coordinated Transportation Plan (CTP) yearly and re-writing the plan every 4 years. The mobility managers also lead local Transportation Advisory Committee quarterly meetings that are open to the public.