|
|
Arranging a ride is easy. Residents need only call the Community Services Department at 891-2154 a day or two in advance of the scheduled activity.
Approximately 30-45 minutes before the scheduled appointment, one of three handicapped accessible vans will arrive as pre-arranged to transport the individual. Companions and aides, where needed, travel for free. Guide dogs and registered companion animals can also accompany the rider.
When the residents are dropped off at their appointments, they are given a card with the phone number to call to arrange for the return trip.
There are four drivers that pilot the Orange buses. Callahan complimented these drivers, saying, "We have four wonderful drivers." The drivers are very familiar with the area and with available services, like doctors' offices.
"They are very personable with the residents," said Callahan.
The majority of trips scheduled are medically related.
"Ninety percent of the rides are for doctors' appointments," said Callahan.
Although most of the transportation is for medical reasons, other activities are offered, as well. One day a week the residents can arrange for a grocery shopping trip. Other shopping trips can be scheduled, such as trips to the Connecticut Post Mall or WalMart. Additionally, residents can use the transportation to travel to the senior center for activities.
"Our options are open," said Callahan.
There is no fee for using the transportation, but donations are requested. There are nominal; $2 for trips to the center, $4 for destinations in Orange, and $6 for those outside of Orange.
With some exceptions, trips are scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 3 p.m. because that is when the vans are available. The vans are leased from the Greater New Haven Transit Authority, as are the vans used in Woodbridge and Bethany. Vans must be back at their garage by 4:30, so appointments are scheduled accordingly.
Areas of operation are also determined by the owners. Most areas are accessible, but the vans do not service the shoreline area.
Woodbridge, too offers a similar service for residents through the Senior Center.
Lee Canning, the Director, organizes the rides for seniors and the disabled.
"We're very busy," noted Canning.
Service is available door-to-door by calling the Senior Center at 389-3430. There are two handicapped accessible vans and three drivers for the town of Woodbridge. There is no charge, and transportation is offered every weekday but Wednesday. Like Orange, most trips are related to medical needs, but trips are also arranged for shopping and travel to the Senior Center.
Jean DelVecchio, Director of Human Services for Bethany, arranges transportation for eligible Bethany citizens.
She commented, "We have the same program as Orange and Woodbridge. We did not re-invent the wheel, and it works."
Rides can be scheduled by calling 393-2100, extension 324 and following the prompts. Bethany has one van and two drivers available.
DelVecchio needs at least 24 hours notice to arrange for transportation. Rides are offered Monday through Thursday at a cost of $2 for in town trips and $3 for out of town appointments. As in the other two towns, medical visits top the list of requests, but Bethany residents can also arrange for shopping and for transportation to the Senior Center.
Additionally, Bethany can accommodate some social trips, like visits to friends or the hairdresser.
Joanne Byrne, Director of Community Services for Orange, said, "There are a lot of people who can use this transportation to get to doctors' appointments."
Callahan added, "If we could afford it, I would like a bigger force."
To arrange a ride, CALL
Orange 891-2154
Woodbridge 389-3430
Bethany 393-2100
