Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
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Courtesy of The Runner
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit began offering transportation in February. This free service is available to community members and guests traveling to or from spots within the Ak-Chin Indian Community. Shuttle buses run on scheduled routes Monday through Friday in the morning and evening and stop at numerous intersections and sites within the community. Vehicles carry about 14 passengers each, and all vehicles are wheelchair-accessible. Information on regularly scheduled stops is posted throughout the community and may also be requested by contacting the Transit Department at 520-568-1630. The transit service usually does not operate on weekends or holidays recognized by the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
Courtesy of The Runner
Do you need a ride at a time or location that’s not on the schedule? A demand-response service is also offered by the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit to locations within a five-mile radius of the community boundaries. The Transit department requests at least a two-hour notice for the demand-response service but will do its best to accommodate all riders, said Octavio Machado, Transit Manager for the Ak-Chin Indian Community. The demand-response service can also be scheduled up to seven days in advance. Demand-response service users must be at least 14 years old. The demand-response service is offered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact the Transit Department at 520-568-1630 to schedule a service. According to Machado, the response has been positive so far. The service averages about 750 riders per month, with the goal to increase this to 1,000 riders per month.
Courtesy of The Runner
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit service is open to any rider. Machado notes that providing transportation to everyone is good for the community. “Anytime we can get people to and from the Ak-Chin Indian Community Enterprises,” Machado added, “it will help our Community as a whole.” Scheduled service is offered to passengers age 10 and up. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a rider aged 15 or older.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Transit (Courtesy of The Runner)
Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.
