MONROE — Thanks to The Arc of Green County, those who need wheelchair transportation can now travel through Monroe Cab Co. at a discounted rate. 

Nick Faessler, who has served on The Arc of Green County board for about 10 years, said the small, committed group looks to give within the community and came up with the idea to apply through the city to offer the service. 

The grant is available by way of the City of Monroe and was done with the help of former Assistant City Administrator Sam Liebert. With it, anyone using the Monroe Cab Co. for wheelchair transportation will receive $1 off their ride. 

The grant was approved in April, but Faessler said word is now getting out about the service. 

“I think it’s a great program because it gets people a little more affordable cab ride,” Faessler said.

Tim Huseman, who is wheelchair bound and has been living in Monroe since 2001, said he’s grateful for Monroe Cab Co. He uses it about four times a week.

“I try to go somewhere every day,” Huseman said.

He can often be found going to the library, Walmart or to run other errands — or just to get out of the house. Typically, a ride would cost $2.25, but with the discount, it’s down to $1.25.

Although he didn’t see the cost as high previously, he feels every little bit helps and he was glad to see the reduction. He enjoys the welcoming drivers, he said, who help him with his items and he’s gotten to know and appreciate their friendly waves. 

The Arc of Green County works to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has provided several grants to the schools and other organizations through the years for projects. They are able to give through the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. 

Although Liebert took the lead on helping with the project, City Administrator Phil Rath said the city was happy to see the support help keep rides affordable. 

“It’s always great when you can have different community entities working together to address the needs of the community,” Rath said. 

The City of Monroe is currently looking to fill a position as Director of Community Development for the city, and Rath said that person would oversee entities under the city, like Monroe Cab Co. 

Faessler is hoping The Arc of Green County can offer the service continuously as long as funding is available.  

“I’d love to continue it and keep it somewhat permanent,” Faessler said. “It’s a great way to help the community with transportation.”