HAMILTON — The Butler County Regional Transit Authority is offering a non-emergency medical shuttle beginning Sept. 1.

The medical shuttle will operate Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis or by advanced reservations.

The service area will focus on the southeastern portion of Butler County, including the cities of Hamilton and Fairfield, West Chester, Liberty and Fairfield townships. Trips from other portions of Butler County will be accommodated when space is available or through advance reservations, BCRTA officials said.

Individuals with disabilities will be given first priority and will be able to bring a personal aide on board at no additional costs. All BCRTA vehicles are wheelchair lift equipped.

The rides will cost $5 per one-way trip and pre-arranged personal aides ride free. Surcharges may apply for trips outside the target service area.

"This service will fill a void in Butler County for affordable, general public, non-emergency medical trips to medical appointments, pharmacies, hospitals, and specialized medical centers such as dialysis, outpatient surgery centers, and medical clinics," said BCRTA Board President Orion Bell.

A grant from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Governments will fund the service.