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OATS is an organization that provides transportation primarily to the elderly and disabled in Missouri. It has just added two vehicles to its fleet. KSMU’s Matt Evans went aboard a new bus and files this report.

One of the new vehicles is a 2009 Ford bus that holds 12 passengers, and the other is a 2009 Chevrolet minivan that can hold seven. Both are equipped for wheelchairs. These two new modes of transportation will help even more senior citizens get around.

The vehicles were funded by the Greene County Senior Citizens Tax Fund. The fund was started in April of 2005 when the residents of Greene County approved a property tax levy to provide services to people of 60 years of age or older. Jeff Robinson is the area manager of OATS in southwest Missouri, an area which covers 17 counties.

“Not all the counties have a senior tax board and I can tell you without a doubt, from what I’ve witnessed, those funds are being put to good use,” said Robinson.

OATS has been transporting the elderly since 1971.

For KSMU News, I’m Matt Evans.