New GET Program Helps Low-Income Families Access Healthcare

Golden Empire Transit District (GET), Bakersfield, CA, has launched a new program aimed at providing transportation to clients of the Kern County Department of Health Services (DHS). In collaboration with DHS, GET is offering co-branded bus passes to help clients’ access public transportation for healthcare appointments and other services.

“We’re excited to partner with DHS on this initiative, which will help break down transportation barriers for individuals who rely on public transit to access critical healthcare and services,” said GET CEO Chris James. “This is a great example of local government and public transit working together to improve the lives of our community members.”

The bus passes, which are available in one-month and six-month options, are distributed on an as-needed basis by DHS caseworkers. The program is expected to benefit approximately 10,000 DHS clients across the county.

“Bus passes received from GET will greatly benefit individuals and families in our community, many of whom are low income,” said Cindy Uetz, DHS chief deputy director. “A bus pass will enable them to use more of their disposable income on other necessary items they need for their household. The Department of Human Services is very appreciative of being asked to participate in the pilot project with GET to assist our community with this much-needed resource.”