FRS Transportation in Highland County is working to utilize the Mobility by Ecolane app to allow people to book public transit rides within Highland, Adams and Brown counties through the system and is planning to have it fully operational in March.

“Right now we’re in the testing process of it,” said FRS Transportation Director Damon Lucas. “We’re trying to get more people that are interested in working with us to test the product and make sure it’s working for our region.”

Lucas said he is planning to have between 50 and 75 people testing the app by the middle of February.

“It’s going to give them access to multiple different avenues when it comes to booking your own rides,” said Lucas. “It’s going to allow them to do that, and it’s going to allow them to know where their vehicle is and see what rides they currently have booked and what they need to add to their list.”

Lucas said most of the people who use FRS for public transit already have a profile page in the app system. “It’s just a couple of things we have to activate on their page to allow them to make their own trips, and it’s coming along, but we have a little ways to go, but we’re pretty close,” he said.

Lucas said the system will improve the efficiency of the public transit system in Highland County. “It will be pretty good for the public to be able to book their trips through the app and see where there vehicle is and how long they have to wait,” he said. “It’s going to be extremely helpful for those people on the second shift that dispatch is not usually here for.”

In addition to public transit, FRS provides transportation to medical and mental health appointment for those enrolled in Medicaid. “The medical trips still need to come through the office as far as booking goes for now,” said Lucas. “We will eventually have those out on the app, but for now it’s mainly just public transit.”

Public transit trips from Highland County cost between $1 to $4 per trip, and passes are available for $20, $30 and $35, depending on the need. FRS Transportation in Highland County can be reached at 937-393-0585 for more information.

Lucas said three or four dedicated trips to Wilmington per day Monday through Friday will be available sometime in April. Full Saturday services will also be offered by FRS Transportation sometime in April.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.