Study: Low-cost Mon Valley transit program has $14 million impact for local communities

For years, Paula McWilliams has understood the value of Heritage Community Transportation through the rides it provides to jobs, medical appointments and grocery stores for residents in disadvantaged communities in the Monongahela Valley.

Now, the president and CEO of Braddock-based Heritage Community Initiatives Inc. has the facts and figures to back up her position.

An economic impact study released by the agency last week found that customers who pay 25 cents per ride generate more than $14 million a year in economic activity. The study by Delta Development Group found that every dollar spent by the agency returns $13.16 to the community.