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Lexington Launches Free Bus Pass Program For Homeless

Josh James
/
WUKY

A Kentucky city has launched a pilot program that aims to connect homeless people trying to find employment and housing with transportation resources.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Lexington and Lextran launched UpLIFT, a free bus pass program last week, providing unlimited access to public transportation to those living in emergency shelters or transitional housing. Eligible applicants must be working on a case plan with a case manager to obtain housing.

Lexington Office of Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Director Polly Ruddick says the pilot program is one of the firs in the state, and "goes a long way toward eliminating barriers that historically have made it difficult" to obtain housing.

With $6,516 allocated to serve a goal of 1,800 homeless adults and kids, the program will be evaluated in six months.