MOULTRIE — Destiny Transportation has received 200 surveys that should give good feedback on what can be done for public transit in Moultrie and Colquiitt County.

The United Way of Colquitt County collected the survey, compiled the numbers and has passed them on to Destiny, which now operates a public transportation system in Moulltrie and surrounding areas.

Destiny’s executve board met Tuesday and Moultrie is on the agenda, according to Barry Richardson, public relations manager for the Albany-based firm.

The survey shows that most people who use or would use the syslem need it for medical visits, said Angela Castellow, Uniited Way executive director. And most of the people returning the survey are willing to pay for that service.

Other uses for public transportation were grocery shopping and recreational or social outings.

The survey information also should tell Destiny what are the peak hours of travel and the most used locations.

“We want Destiny to look at it and come back with what can be done,” Castellow said.

Destiny compiled the 22-question survey after meetings with representatives of the City of Moultrie, United Way and other groups and agencies late last year. Destiny encouraged residents to complete the survey to give the company ideas about what is needed most.

“We’re going to look at it and then meet with United Way, put our heads together and see what is needed and what we can do,” Richardson said.

He said the company’s call volume has greatly increased so far this year and walk-in visits are more frequent. He said business is good in Moultrie.

The company currently operates 10 buses that run from its offices in the Moultrie IIntermodal Transportation Facility at Second Street and First Avenue Southeast in a lease agreement with the city. The buses marked SWGA Regional Transport are available to residents who call 24 hours in advance for a pick up.

A one-way trip costs $3 — or $1.50 for the elderly. Two-way trips cost $6, only $3 for the elderly. Buses run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also make trips to Elllenton, Berlin, Norman Park, Funston and Doerun. The cost for travel in the county is 50 cents extra for each mile outside a 10-mile radius from Moultrie.

Being considered is a route system with marked stops throughout the city that could begin with several routes to determine what is most effective. Separate buses would handle appointments made by phone. Also being considered in the future is a shuttle service to connect with Greyhound terminals in Albany and Tifton.

In April 2012 Destiny and Moultrie City Council announced a partnership agreement that was aimed toward expanding transportation services here.

Destiny was founded 12 years ago and operates in five counties iin southwest Georgia. It employs 15 drivers in Moultrie.

 Medicaid does pay for services for those eligible. Interested persons on Medicaid should call Logisticare which arranges the trips with Destiny. Logisticare can be reached at 888-224-7985. Medicaid will pay for medical-related trips to a doctor’s office and to a pharmacy.