Last September, I had a couple of bad breaks my computer and my kneecap. The computer has recovered and my kneecap is on the mend.

I can tell you, up-close-and-personal, wearing a full-length leg brace for 76 days changes the lifestyle of the family beyond belief. I could no longer drive my car, but grocery shopping and making trips to the doctor were absolutely necessary.

Our many friends at St. Paul's church were most generous in helping us cope, but there is a limit to what friends can do for you. Keeping doctor appointments presented a real problem as I was in a wheelchair. Coming to our rescue was SCAT, Seneca County Agency Transportation, and I don't know how we could have managed without their terrific service

For years I've noticed the little white buses with SCAT painted on them, but I really knew very little about the organization. I have been so favorably impressed with the service SCAT renders I want to share with you something about the organization, encourage you to use their services, and praise the people who make it all work.

In 1993 there was no public transportation service covering Seneca County. Thirty-one agencies in the county jointly established the Seneca County Agency Transportation and SCAT has grown in service with every passing year.

In 2007, SCAT served 3,857 individuals, provided 43,391 trips, and traveled 307,307 miles. The fleet of vehicles numbers 16 with 12 of those vehicles handicapped accessible. Under the supervision of Director Linda Good, there are 30 people who are drivers, office workers, maintenance personnel, and wheelchair specialists. Many of these people are volunteers.

SCAT serves such outlying areas as Alvada, Attica, Bascom, Bettsville, Bloomville, Fort Seneca, Green Springs, New Riegel, Old Fort and Republic. Fostoria residents may reside in Seneca, Wood, or Hancock counties. SCAT serves all areas of the city of Fostoria.

The wide variety of trips made by SCAT is remarkable. Passengers may be people going to work or children going to school. Trips are made for shopping. weddings, funerals, graduation, family events and various other special occasions. Trips have even been made for medical appointments to Findlay, Upper Sandusky, Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Ann Arbor. Charges for trips are reasonable and those 65 years of age and the handicapped are entitled to half fare.

I was most favorably impressed by the drivers of the vehicles. I was taken from my home in a wheelchair, loaded on the bus, and delivered to my destination.

The drivers are dedicated, skillful and hard working people. It takes real effort to load wheelchair passengers into the bus, secure the chair, and fasten the seat belts. Without exception they were courteous, thoughtful and enjoyed serving their passengers.

Knowing how to reach various city streets and rural lanes is a real challenge, but these drivers manage to do it. I saw roads in Seneca County I didn't know existed.

Now that I can travel on my own, I just want to express my gratitude for the fine service I received from SCAT.

I tip my hat to Linda Good and all the SCAT personnel for a job well done.

Archie Thomas

of Fostoria is a guest columnist.