RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) — The City of Red Bank has approved $30,000 in funding to continue CARTA’s Care-A-Van service for eligible residents, securing the program’s future beyond federal grant support.
The funding, included in the city’s FY2026 budget, helps provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.
Care-A-Van has operated in Red Bank since 2022 through a federal mobility grant.
Over the last three years, the program has averaged 65 trips a month.
Most riders use the service for medical needs, including dialysis.
“The program has been very well received by our riders and the support from the broader community to help eligible riders is heartwarming. I am so grateful to my colleagues on the Red Bank Commission for making CARTA’s Care-A-Van Paratransit Services an enduring option for eligible Red Bank residents by fully funding the City’s portion of these costs in next year’s budget.”
-Stefanie Dalton, Red Bank Mayor
With federal support ending, city leaders had to decide whether to continue the program.
After budget talks, they committed local funds to keep it running.
“We initiated this program back in 2022, not knowing if it would be a good fit with Red Bank. What we’ve learned over these past three years is there is a need, mostly for qualified residents who are using the service for medical appointments. We also learned that CARTA’s Care-A-Van is well suited to meet that need for Red Bank residents.”
-Martin Granum, City Manager
The service is operated by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).
CEO Charles D. Frazier praised Red Bank’s support, saying:
“We are tremendously grateful to Mayor Dalton, City Manager Granum, and the entire Red Bank Commission for their vision and dedication to serving their most vulnerable residents. This partnership with Hamilton County government demonstrates how local collaboration can deliver essential services to those who need them most. Red Bank’s investment in Care-A-Van services represents exactly the kind of community leadership that makes expanded transit services possible, and we look forward to exploring additional opportunities to serve Red Bank residents in the future.”
Care-A-Van offers door-to-door rides by reservation for residents 60 and older, as well as those with qualifying disabilities.
Trips focus on medical visits, grocery runs, and other essentials.
Residents can contact CARTA for details or to check eligibility.
