Getting Around in the Pioneer Valley

You shared your Voice with us. Now, we are responding with ours. A Community Living Index survey was included in the last issue of Life Grows On. The purpose of the survey was for our staff to gain an understanding of how our readers rate the communities in which they live. The response was amazing! Not only did we learn of many needs and offers present around us, but the responses also gave us insight into some of the most pressing issues facing you, our readers. Not surprisingly, the most common obstacle reported was that of transportation.

In our hope to provide answers to this common difficulty, we have researched and compiled a list of transportation options available to you. Although in many situations, transportation is provided by friends and family, there are several formal providers in our communities that can also be turned to. For your convenience, the contact information for each provider is listed along with its description.

Easthampton

The Easthampton Council on Aging provides transportation to various destinations in our area to Easthampton residents who are 60 and over. Van destinations include, but are not limited to:

The Easthampton Council on Aging

Shopping in Easthampton

Big Y/Pure Food

Northampton for medical appointments and shopping

Holyoke Mall at Ingleside

Wal-Mart in Westfield

Amherst

Williamsburg

Additional long-distance trips are arranged on an as-needed basis. Reservations for transportation must be made 48 hours in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 413-527-6151. For more information regarding scheduling an appointment for a ride and van fees, please call 413-527-6151.

Huntington

The Franklin Regional Transit Authority and Huntington Council on Aging provide rides to residents in Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Montgomery and Russell. Ongoing rides to such places as shopping centers, medical appointments, hair salons, etc. are available Monday through Friday on a set schedule. Transportation service to the Huntington Dining Center at Stanton Hall for lunch is also available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information regarding the ride schedule and suggested donation amounts or to make a reservation for a ride, please call George Webb at 413-667-3428.

Middlefield

The Franklin Regional Transit Authority and Middlefield Council on Aging have partnered to create the Volunteer Driver Program. This program serves individuals 60 years and older and the disabled of any age. To schedule a ride to a medical appointment or to go shopping, please call Susan Baker Donnelly at 413-623-6080.

Southampton

The Franklin Regional Transit Authority, in partnership with the Southampton Council on Aging, provides transportation to Southampton residents 60 and over and disabled individuals of any age Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Rides are available to medical appointments, shopping, activities at the Council on Aging and other important appointments. A weekly shopping trip to Big Y and Pure Foods is available every Tuesday at 9 a.m. The van is equipped with a lift to accommodate passengers in a wheelchair. Please complete an application prior to receiving service. For information regarding suggested donation amounts, setting up an appointment and completing an application, please call 413-529-2105.

Westfield

The Senior Transport Project of the First Congregational Church provides escorted transportation for individuals 60 and over in the Westfield area. Transportation may also be provided to the hill towns if volunteer drivers are available. For more information, please call Marge Liberty at 413-562-8796.

The Westfield Council on Aging's Companionship Program offers transportation for senior citizens in Westfield to medical appointments and grocery shopping. The program is free of charge. For more information, please call Fran Aguda at 413-562-6435 or 413-562-9624.

Westhampton

The Franklin Regional Transit Authority and Westhampton Council on Aging provide transportation to Westhampton residents 60 and over 7 days a week, 24 hours a day on an as-needed basis. All rides to medical appointments and shopping destinations are provided by volunteer drivers. Rides are free of charge but donations may be made to the "Friends of the COA." For more information or to schedule a ride, please call 413-527-9427.

Williamsburg

The Williamsburg Council on Aging provides local medical transportation free of charge for Williamsburg residents 60 and over. Transportation to local, non-medical appointments may be arranged on an as-needed basis. Reservations for transportation must be made 48 hours in advance by calling the Council on Aging at 413-268-8407.

Additional Transportation Providers

The American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network will provide transportation to chemotherapy appointments for cancer patients. For more information, please call 800-227-2345.

MassHealth will provide medical-related rides for individuals who qualify if transportation for this purpose is not readily available. For more information, please call John Bergeron at Hilltown Social Services at 413-667-2203.

The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority's Dial-a-Ride program offers van service for seniors who are 60 years of age and older. Van service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. At the time that the first ride is booked, riders must complete a one-time registration. Individuals who participate in the Dial-a-Ride program must have either a Senior ID card or a Medicare/Medicaid card. For more information on van costs or to register for a ride, please call the Registration Line at 413-739-7436.