By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorEach Thursday, Deana Dothage jumps on an OATS bus and heads to work. At the end of the day, the bus returns and takes her back home.Her reason for using the service is simple: Too many people believe OATS is available only for seniors when in fact anyone, regardless of age or income, can ride.As the mobility director for MO Rides, Dothage works every day educating the public about a new program she oversees.MO Rides is a referral service that coordinates affordable rides for people facing transportation challenges in Warren, Lincoln, Montgomery, Franklin and St. Charles counties. Dothage connects people to existing transportation providers, such as OATS or other companies.She is finding that people need rides to work, to medical appointments or to get their children to school.“Transportation is a big challenge for all the rural communities I am dealing with,” Dothage said.The assistance Dothage provides is free. The rides, however, are not. As part of her work, Dothage will help locate the closest and most affordable transportation and will assist in making reservations.Though anyone can use MO Rides, the program is targeting low-income individuals, senior citizens and people with disabilities.“It is helping people,” Dothage remarked. “I am finding the more rural I go, people want to go from Elsberry to St. Louis. It is not affordable for most people. Hopefully we can work to find new ways to increase transportation.”The mobility management program is funded through a $197,408 two-year grant from MoDOT and a $20,000 one-year grant from Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council. It is operated by Boonslick Regional Planning Commission.Since being hired in August, a website (morides.org) was launched last month detailing what transportation providers are located in each county. Dothage can also be reached at 636-359-4656 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to arrange transportation.Dothage said it’s her plan to pursue more grant funding and identify other avenues to help expand transportation in the region. In many cases a service provider, such as OATS, has a limited schedule due to a lack of funding and resources.She has been meeting with municipal and county governments in the five-county region to promote and raise awareness about the program so that residents can take advantage of it.“Down the road, I am hoping for some sustainability funding and to expand with other transportation,” Dothage said. “I am looking for some ideas.”MO Rides