Rockbridge Area Transportation System Inc

In 1985, Joan Manley was paralyzed by a drunk driver, and established RATS in 1995, due to her own experience living in a wheelchair and the limited resources available to her in Rockbridge County at the time.

Joan realized that there were others in the community also stuck at home due to an absence of transportation options. She recruited volunteer drivers, applied for grants, rented vehicles, and created Rockbridge Area Transportation System. She was the dispatcher, manager, and volunteer coordinator from her kitchen table for many years.



This small, yet effective beginning has grown into a large, complex operation. RATS now serves Rockbridge and Alleghany residents who need transportation through our paid staff of drivers, schedulers, and administrators using a fleet of 12 wheelchair accessible vans, 3 cars, and an SUV. This non-emergency, door-to-door transportation service for wheelchair and ambulatory riders enables residents access to health care, day support, employment, community events, errands, and socialization to enhance and maintain their quality of life.

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