CTN - Community Transportation Network

- 5601 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825

In Northeast Indiana, the Community Transportation Network (CTN) stands as an invaluable non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that transportation barriers do not prevent seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families from accessing life-sustaining and purposeful connections within the community. Unlike a traditional car rental agency, CTN is a specialized Handicapped transportation service that focuses on providing a critical link for those who cannot easily use standard public transit or taxi services. Their mission is clear: to ease the burden of transportation, thereby supporting the independence and well-being of their riders.

Based in Fort Wayne and serving Allen County, CTN operates a diverse fleet, primarily consisting of lift-equipped buses and vans, specifically designed to accommodate mobility devices such as wheelchairs and rollators. This dedication to accessibility is not just a feature; it's the foundation of their service model. The vehicles are reliable, and the drivers are consistently described by customers as personal, professional, and friendly—a combination that makes every trip less stressful and more pleasant.

The core of CTN’s offering is more than just the ride itself; it's the compassionate, person-centered support. This is evident in the popular Door Ride Service which offers door-through-door, hand-in-hand passenger assistance. This level of support ensures that riders are safely assisted from their home, secured comfortably in the vehicle, and delivered directly to their destination, often including assistance with packages or other personal items. This comprehensive care sets CTN apart from standard transportation providers.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the extraordinary patience and kindness of the drivers. In a review, one rider recounted an experience where the driver patiently waited for an appointment that lasted 45 minutes longer than expected and even offered to make an unexpected stop to pick up prescriptions on the way home. This proactive and considerate approach to service turns what could be a stressful day of medical appointments into a smooth and supportive experience, making life "a little easier" for their clients.

Since its founding, CTN has grown to be an essential resource, serving thousands of individuals annually, often for crucial trips like Medical Appointments, Therapy Appointments, and essential home services. By offering their services on a sliding fee scale, supported by donations and grants, CTN ensures that cost is not the factor that prevents a person from accessing necessary care, a testament to the organization's powerful role in strengthening the Allen County community.

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CTN’s main operations are housed in a central location in Fort Wayne, positioned for efficient dispatch and service across Allen County. This facility ensures that all services operate from a professional, accessible hub.

• Address: 5601 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, USA.
• Service Area: CTN primarily provides specialized transportation within Allen County, Indiana. For trips that extend slightly outside the county, customers should inquire, as the organization sometimes accommodates trips elsewhere in Indiana depending on its schedule and capacity.
• Facility Accessibility: The physical location is designed to accommodate the needs of its riders and personnel, featuring:
• Wheelchair accessible entrance to ensure ease of entry for visitors and staff with mobility challenges.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot for convenient access.
• Onsite Amenities: The facility includes a dedicated Restroom for the convenience of drivers, staff, and any clients who may visit the administrative offices.

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As a non-profit Transportation service specializing in mobility assistance, CTN offers a range of scheduled, demand-response programs tailored to specific community needs:

• Specialized Medical Transportation: The backbone of their service, providing reliable transportation for essential health-related travel. Services include:
• Medical Appointments and Medical Care trips.
• Therapy Appointments.
• Transportation for life-sustaining treatments like dialysis.
• Door-Through-Door Assistance: This highly valued feature involves drivers providing hand-in-hand passenger assistance, helping riders from their door into the van and then safely into their destination, far exceeding the service level of standard taxis or ride-share programs.
• Comprehensive Mobility Support: Vehicles are equipped to handle various devices, including standard wheelchairs, rollators, and Bariatric Wheelchairs, ensuring they can serve a broad range of mobility needs.
• Group and Special Trips: CTN provides services for Group Trips, often for partner non-profit agencies serving children, youth, and low-income families, enabling essential access to programs and resources.
• Essential Errands: The network provides rides for essential activities beyond medical necessity, such as trips for Home Services, grocery runs, and senior rides to banks and pharmacies.
• Affordable Fees and Subsidies: CTN offers a sliding scale for ride fees, which are discounted based on income and frequency of trips. The organization is heavily supported by community donations and grants to keep fares low, especially for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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CTN’s commitment to service is highlighted by several key operational and philosophical features:

• Focus on Compassion and Kindness: Drivers are consistently reviewed as kind, considerate, and personally invested in the well-being of their passengers. This soft skill is crucial for riders who often face health challenges.
• Reliable and On-Time Service: Customers praise CTN for being always on time and providing reliable vehicles, which is especially critical when dealing with time-sensitive medical appointments.
• Non-Profit Mission: Every dollar spent on CTN’s services supports the community. Even if a private charter is booked at full price, the revenue helps subsidize low-cost, life-sustaining medical transportation for those in need.
• Accommodation for Unexpected Delays: The drivers are known for their patience and willingness to accommodate reasonable, unexpected situations, such as a doctor's appointment running significantly overtime, ensuring the rider is not left stranded.
• Extensive Fleet Capacity: The organization operates a fleet of specialized vans and buses, many of which are lift-equipped, to ensure they can manage high demand and provide Specialized Transportation that is universally accessible.
• Safety and Security: The policy requires that seat belts are worn and that wheelchairs are secured by a 4-point system, emphasizing rider safety above all else.

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To register for services, inquire about trip scheduling, or learn more about how to support the mission, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 5601 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, USA
• Phone: (260) 420-3280
• Mobile Phone (for scheduling/office): +1 260-420-3280
• Office Hours (for scheduling): Generally Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
• Transportation Hours: Typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time.

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For residents of Allen County, Indiana, particularly seniors and individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, choosing the Community Transportation Network (CTN) is a choice for dignity, reliability, and compassionate care that goes far beyond a basic ride service.

You should choose CTN when your transportation needs require more than just a drop-off. The unique Door Ride Service offers a level of assistance that ensures safety from the moment you leave your home until you are settled at your destination. This is crucial for riders attending time-sensitive Medical Trips or Therapy Appointments where delays can be detrimental and physical assistance is necessary.

Furthermore, by choosing this non-profit organization, you are directly supporting a community-funded solution. The sliding fee scale makes vital services financially accessible to those who need them most, supported by the generosity of other riders and community partners. Customers praise the drivers’ personal kindness and professionalism, noting that the overall experience can make life a little easier by removing the stress often associated with mobility challenges. From having reliable vehicles designed for specialized needs—including accommodating a Bariatric Wheelchair—to the patient, hands-on care of the driver, CTN is the premier option in Fort Wayne for high-quality, specialized Handicapped transportation service dedicated to keeping the community mobile and connected.

CTN - Community Transportation Network

5601 Industrial Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, USA