A Major Win for Access, Equity, and Regional Prosperity
This week brought welcome news for residents across Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, and Columbia counties, as WellSpan Health announced a generous $16,500 donation to ensure the continuation of the Stop Hopper micro transit service. For years, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce has served as a leading advocate for improved rural mobility, recognizing that reliable transportation is foundational to economic opportunity, workforce participation, and community health. This new investment marks a critical moment in sustaining a service that thousands of regional residents have come to depend upon.
In announcing the gift, WellSpan leaders underscored that transportation is more than convenience; it’s a matter of public health and community well-being. The health system stated: “To ensure transportation is not a barrier to accessing care in rural areas, WellSpan Health announced it proudly donated $16,500 to ensure that Stop Hopper services continue to be offered in Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland and Columbia counties in Central Pennsylvania. The donation reflects the health system’s commitment to addressing a social driver of health that can have a far-reaching impact on overall wellness of residents and the health of the community at large.”
Stop Hopper, operated by Rabbittransit, functions as an affordable, on-call micro transit system designed to respond to the unique needs of rural communities. Riders—many of whom lack access to a personal vehicle—can schedule trips to workplaces, healthcare appointments, educational institutions, grocery stores, and vital community services. This flexible model has played an increasingly important role as demographic shifts, workforce shortages, and rising transportation costs continue to challenge the region.
Kendra Aucker, senior vice president of WellSpan Health and president of WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, emphasized the importance of local partnership and mission-driven investment. “At WellSpan we invest in the needs of our communities because we know our communities. We listen and work collaboratively to find solutions that align with our mission, like providing transportation so patients can access our services, because exceptional care for all begins with addressing all aspects of health,” Aucker said.
For the Chamber, which has been sounding the alarm on rural transportation gaps for several years, WellSpan’s support represents a timely action that aligns squarely with the region’s shared Prosperity agenda. Chamber President & CEO Bob Garrett affirmed the urgency of sustaining Stop Hopper’s operations. “The potential loss of this service would represent a significant step backward in our collective efforts to build vibrant, healthier, more connected, and more economically resilient communities. Without this critical funding, Stop Hopper would cease operations—a devastating blow to many who rely on it daily.”
Chamber Board member and WellSpan leader Ryan McNally echoed this emphasis on health outcomes and regional equity. “In our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) at WellSpan, we found that Access to Healthcare is a priority Community Health Issue. Underlying that issue is gaps in transportation in rural communities. We recognize transportation as a key ‘non-medical’ factor, also referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that influences one’s health and even life expectancy.
As the Chamber continues to advocate for long-term, sustainable rural transit solutions, this week’s announcement stands as a testament to what is possible when businesses, healthcare partners, and community leaders unite behind a shared mission: building a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Greater Susquehanna Valley for everyone.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
In announcing the gift, WellSpan leaders underscored that transportation is more than convenience; it’s a matter of public health and community well-being. The health system stated: “To ensure transportation is not a barrier to accessing care in rural areas, WellSpan Health announced it proudly donated $16,500 to ensure that Stop Hopper services continue to be offered in Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland and Columbia counties in Central Pennsylvania. The donation reflects the health system’s commitment to addressing a social driver of health that can have a far-reaching impact on overall wellness of residents and the health of the community at large.”
Stop Hopper, operated by Rabbittransit, functions as an affordable, on-call micro transit system designed to respond to the unique needs of rural communities. Riders—many of whom lack access to a personal vehicle—can schedule trips to workplaces, healthcare appointments, educational institutions, grocery stores, and vital community services. This flexible model has played an increasingly important role as demographic shifts, workforce shortages, and rising transportation costs continue to challenge the region.
Kendra Aucker, senior vice president of WellSpan Health and president of WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, emphasized the importance of local partnership and mission-driven investment. “At WellSpan we invest in the needs of our communities because we know our communities. We listen and work collaboratively to find solutions that align with our mission, like providing transportation so patients can access our services, because exceptional care for all begins with addressing all aspects of health,” Aucker said.
For the Chamber, which has been sounding the alarm on rural transportation gaps for several years, WellSpan’s support represents a timely action that aligns squarely with the region’s shared Prosperity agenda. Chamber President & CEO Bob Garrett affirmed the urgency of sustaining Stop Hopper’s operations. “The potential loss of this service would represent a significant step backward in our collective efforts to build vibrant, healthier, more connected, and more economically resilient communities. Without this critical funding, Stop Hopper would cease operations—a devastating blow to many who rely on it daily.”
Chamber Board member and WellSpan leader Ryan McNally echoed this emphasis on health outcomes and regional equity. “In our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) at WellSpan, we found that Access to Healthcare is a priority Community Health Issue. Underlying that issue is gaps in transportation in rural communities. We recognize transportation as a key ‘non-medical’ factor, also referred to as Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) that influences one’s health and even life expectancy.
As the Chamber continues to advocate for long-term, sustainable rural transit solutions, this week’s announcement stands as a testament to what is possible when businesses, healthcare partners, and community leaders unite behind a shared mission: building a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Greater Susquehanna Valley for everyone.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
