Around the nation, transportation isn’t just a matter of getting around—it can be a lifeline to survival, stability, and second chances.
At a recent community meeting in Russellville, Arkansas, hosted by the 100 Families Initiative, Mayor Fred Teague and Jennifer Hallum with Western Transit led a discussion on tackling one of the most persistent barriers facing at-risk families: the lack of reliable transportation.
In attendance were local service providers, leaders, and nonprofit partners—who were actively engaged in the discussion. Western Transit, which already operates in other parts of the state, expressed interest in piloting a solution in Russellville. Their goal: start small, build trust, and scale sustainably.
From getting to work or court appointments, to accessing medical care or escaping domestic violence, the need for transportation solutions was made clear across a wide range of issues.
"Transportation is one of the biggest reasons people fail to move forward," one attendee noted. “If you can’t get to drug court or get your kids to school, how do you ever break the cycle?”
The meeting underscored the daily reality many families face all because they lacked a ride. These missed connections often lead to cascading consequences, from probation violations to child custody complications to losing a job.
Key solutions discussed included:
A hybrid system combining scheduled and on-demand rides
Partnerships with probation, domestic violence shelters, and employment agencies
Use of existing transit providers with local knowledge and infrastructure
Piloting routes in high-need areas within Russellville
Engaging community sponsors and churches to help fund long-term service
Setting Priorities
Attendees also raised the need for prioritization. Should rides for court-ordered services take precedence? What about medical care, employment, or education? The consensus: all are critical, but prioritizing initial demand will be key to starting smart.
“I believe there's a need. My biggest thing is just trying to figure out what's the solution? Is it on-demand? Is it route-based? What are the timeframes? Because we know we're not going to be able to have a 24-hour service,” noted Mayor Teague.
Leaders emphasized that any solution will need to be tailored to local needs and will require deep collaboration across agencies. Tracking impact will also be crucial, both to secure funding and to understand what’s working.
“Once we get to the point that we're ready to start this, it's very important that we track it because that will be the selling point on sponsorships,” said Hallum.
With over 11,000 outstanding misdemeanor warrants in the county—many stemming from failure to appear in court—transportation could be the missing link that helps families move from crisis to stability. As planning continues, area leaders are calling on local organizations to help gather data on missed appointments due to transportation, identify potential riders, and prepare for pilot phases beginning as early as 2026.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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