CRAWFORDSVILLE — If you do not have a car or cannot drive, some places can feel inaccessible. Crawfordsville hopes to open up its city to everyone with a new way to ride.
Sunshine Vans will become an on-demand ride service for all ages, including Wabash College students. The agency will expand thanks to a grant worth more than $250,000 from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
The service is currently for seniors only. Sunshine Vans driver Bryan Kessinger said he has seen the need for his rides firsthand.
"I've seen these vans around town for years and I didn't really realize the impact they had," said Kessinger, who started driving Sunshine Vans last October. "They can't get to the doctor and they can't get places without us, so I guess we could be considered lifesavers."
Agency director Belinda Young said they realized the need for expanded transit after surveys were conducted in Crawfordsville and with Wabash College students
"We had a lot of younger individuals explaining to us how they would much rather use public transportation because they don't have access to their own private transportation and would rather support this than an Uber or a Lyft," Young said.
The revamped Sunshine Vans will launch in January 2026. It will add two minibuses to the fleet and develop an app so riders of all ages can call a ride without making a literal phone call.
"For the demographic we are looking to serve in addition to the seniors, it is truly instrumental," Young said.
Kessinger said he is eager to pick up passengers, whether they want a ride or need a ride.
"I love it," Kessinger said. "Everybody is interesting. Everybody has their own story, and I like listening to them."
-
How the Iran war is choking critical aid distribution around the world
As the war in Iran continues to limit shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, humanitarian groups say critical aid shipments are also being cut off — aid that could save lives around the globe.
Delta announces increased bag fees as Iran war drives up fuel costs
Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday it will raise its fees for checked baggage, joining several other domestic airlines that have raised prices as oil and jet fuel costs climb due to the war in Iran.
Global emergency aid cut off by Iran war
The war in Iran is impacting more than just oil prices. Critical aid meant to save lives is also facing constraints. (Scripps News)Indiana State Police investigating inmate death at Miami Correctional Facility
According to ISP, detectives were asked to begin their investigation into the death of 50-year-old Shawn Booker on Saturday. ISP said Booker's family has been notified of his passing.
