GMTA Shuttle Service To St. Albans

[Henry]

Gary Gilbert sent me a note regarding the possible starting of a Shuttle Service to St. Albans for people to go shopping.  My first question of course was what would it cost, as most of the people that might be using this, most likely couldn't afford much, so I sent a note to Tim Bradshaw, who Gary had been in contact with asking him this question as well as how often the shuttle would run.  Tim's response was:

"Generally these shuttles are a free service to the customers funded with Elderly and Disabled money. I am looking at one day a week shopping shuttle. Please also let me know if you know of anyone interested in being a volunteer driver for GMTA. I have attached a flyer for you to distribute. This is a great opportunity for people that are retired that would be interested in staying active and providing assistance to the elderly for doctor appointments and other transportation needs. They get paid a mileage reimbursement.

Thank you,

Timothy Bradshaw
District Manager
Green Mountain Transit Agency
319 South Main Street
St. Albans, VT.  05478
Phone: 802-527-2181
Fax: 802-527-5302"

In addition to a volunteer GMTA driver, looking for someone who might want to coordinate this shuttle service.  Not sure what it would involve, but certainly sounds like a worthwhile project.

[Rev. Elizabeth]

Thanks for posting this, Henry. The shuttle will be  a valuable service for the community.   All of us who know seniors should be active in distributing this information to them, as many might not have access to the internet.  It is a great idea and much needed.  I am not sure if Gary has contacted CVAA, but I know that they work with Seniors in Fairfax and would also help in spreading this information. 

[Chris Santee]

I've been working on this since Handy opened Fairfax Green.
First hurdle is funding, which may or may not become available.
If it does, Tim will need drivers, like the flyer above states.

Tim sent me some more info:
"Our drivers are required to have a valid driver license, proper registration, insurance, inspection. Drivers are also required to pass a stringent background check, including criminal, adult and child abuse registry, DMV complete license check and they must sign a confidentiality agreement. We also inspect their vehicle to ensure it is mechanically sound and clean.
Mileage is reimbursed at a rate of 55 cents a mile. This is a great job for retired folks that are looking to stay active."

Congressman Peter Welch came to the Franklin County Senior Center maybe a year ago
and he is aware of the situation.
We spoke on it then and he was very helpful.

If enough people want the service and funding is available,
there may be a small bus to St. Albans in Fairfax's future.

[Chris Santee]

Senator Sanders too.