In theory, July 4 could become an Independence Day of sorts for seniors in East Wellington. The date marks the start up of a trial program to provide transportation for seniors.
Last year, East Wellington Community Services undertook a survey of the needs of seniors in the area. One of the results from the “New Horizons Seniors Needs Assessment Survey” was identifying a substantial need for public transportation for seniors.
The EWCS Board has followed through on this feedback and is rolling out a transportation service for seniors starting July 4. This program has been given the funding to operate a one year trial project.
Reviews will be made every three months and possible adjustments to routes and costs based on ridership.
The bus service EWCS is implementing will take seniors from Erin, Hillsburgh, Rockwood and surrounding rural areas to Stone Road Mall and other major shopping centres. This is not a supervised program, and will be available only to seniors who are able-bodied and can take care of themselves in boarding the bus, paying for their fare, and monitoring pick-up points and time schedules etc. Seniors who are mobile but require assistance can attend when accompanied by a caregiver.
The route will be published on pocket size cards which would be available at doctor’s offices, banks, senior’s centres etc. The schedule will also be posted on EWCS’s website as well as on signs at each of the bus stops.
The fee for this service will be a flat rate of $10 per person for the round trip, payable upon boarding.
Caroline Turnbull, EWCS Marketing and Revenue Development Coordinator, explained the service will make use of a bus already owned by the organization. The bus is currently utilized for its Seniors Day Programs in Erin and Rockwood.
The bus would be used for the new program when not being used for the day programs.
For more information visit EWCS’s website www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com or call 519-833-9696.
