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Kristi Rawlings didn't expect to spend two decades at Dunklin County Transit when she first joined as a secretary. Now, as Operations Manager, she's witnessed thousands of meaningful connections bloom in the unlikeliest of places – the passenger seats of their transportation vehicles.

"You never know when a kind word will change someone's entire day, week, month, year, life," reflects one of our hosts, capturing the essence of this enlightening conversation. Though many assume Dunklin County Transit exclusively serves elderly or disabled individuals, Kristi reveals their service is available to anyone needing transportation – from airport travelers to those whose vehicles are temporarily out of commission.

What makes these rides truly special isn't just getting from Point A to Point B, but the profound human connections that form along the way. Drivers share remarkable stories of passengers who, within minutes of entering the vehicle, begin sharing their deepest struggles and life stories. Richard recounts a particularly moving experience with a passenger who shared her entire life journey, ending with them praying together as she departed in tears. Tyler describes passengers who specifically request certain drivers, having developed relationships of trust through repeated interactions.

Perhaps most striking is the revelation about loneliness in our communities. "It's sad, really, to just see the number of people that don't have anybody to talk to," Kristi observes. For many regular passengers, especially those requiring frequent medical trips like dialysis, their DCT driver becomes a consistent, caring presence in otherwise isolated lives.

Beyond the heartwarming stories, Kristi shares practical insights about their services – from all-day local routes allowing unlimited travel for one price to their expansive service area covering multiple counties. With 25 drivers and more vehicles on the way, they've grown substantially since their 1982 founding.

Ready to experience this unique service yourself? Whether you need a ride to an appointment or simply want to connect with a friendly face, Dunklin County Transit proves that sometimes, the journey truly is as important as the destination.

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