The South Windsor Senior Center recently added a sleek new vehicle to its transportation fleet, ensuring mobility and comfort for the senior residents of the town for years to come, reflecting a commitment by the town and the state to support our seniors.
This important upgrade replaces an old and out of commission vehicle that was becoming too costly to keep. This addition helps to maintain the standard number of vehicles in a fleet, which is four.
The new bus was funded through a State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) 5310 grant: $118,656 came from the grant, and $33,562 came through town tax dollars.
“We provide transportation to residents 60 or older, or those who are under 60 and on Social Security Disability,” the Director of Human Services, Andrea Cofrancesco said. “It’s a vital link for residents who can no longer drive, and helps them maintain their independence. It puts less stress on family members to provide transportation, eliminates the need for them to take time off from work or if their families are not local or if they do not have family.”
The process to get the new bus is about 1.5 years long, with the application process starting in the spring. The Senior Center was notified in the fall that they received the grant.
The grant is given based on a point system that considers things like the services offered, the number of riders, and the status of the current vehicles already in the fleet.
“It is competitive and not everyone gets a grant,” Cofrancesco said.
The bus can provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, different shopping centers, the bank, the library, the hairdresser, and so much more.
The bus fleet serves as a vital link, making it so that the seniors can continue to do the activities they enjoy, be an active member in the town and have the opportunity to interact with others without having to miss out because they can’t get there.
Check out the October edition of The Senior Connection Newsletter
