LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – A new partnership is helping local mothers overcome transportation challenges after bringing their newborns home.
The Lima Allen County Regional Planning Commission (LACRPC) recently learned that some new moms in the area are struggling to get home from the hospital or make it to doctor’s appointments and grocery stores. Many do not have a car seat or access to a vehicle.
To address the issue, the “Baby on Board” program will launch Wednesday morning. The initiative is a collaboration between the LACRPC, the Allen County Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Heartbeat of Lima, and both local hospitals — Lima Memorial Health System and Mercy Health–St. Rita’s.
The program provides a free one-month bus pass to new mothers, giving them a transportation option as they begin caring for their child.
“You're not legally required to have an infant in a car seat on a bus. You can hold your baby, while it's still best practice,” said Megan Kinnear, Public Outreach & Community Program Planner at LACRPC. “We still want everyone to know — if you have a carrier available, that's always the best way to have your child, even on a bus. But if you don't have that, this is an alternative option, or if you just need alternative transportation.”
The program is modeled after a successful format used in Cuyahoga County. Eligible mothers can pick up the bus pass at Heartbeat of Lima, Lima Memorial, or Mercy Health–St. Rita’s.
