HEGA Expands Rural Transportation Network

Washington County, MS — HEGA — a rural transportation network centered in the communities of Hollandale, Elizabeth, and Glen Allan, Mississippi — seeks to bring economic opportunities to their area by creating a transportation system that will provide access to jobs, educational and healthcare facilities, and job training.

“Before HEGA, there was no public transportation system in our area,” said Willie Burnside, HEGA’s executive director. “Now we provide service to Washington, Humphreys, Sharkey, and Issaquena Counties.”

In July, HEGA  finalized the purchase of a 25-passenger bus with a wheelchair lift. The purchase price of the bus was $56,000, but a grant from the Mississippi Department of Transportation covered all but 20 percent of the cost.

“Currently, we have two 15-passenger vans and four 7-passenger vans,” said Burnside. “This new bus will allow us to expand and provide better service to our clients.”

HEGA partners with Youthbuild and the City of Hollandale to provide transportation for Youthbuild students who are constructing homes for low-income residents. HEGA also transports students to and from Delta Community College and Mississippi Valley State University.

To learn more, call 662-827-0569 or visit www.hega.info.