Seattle-based Senior Services will provide transportation to seniors and those with disabilities in the Renton area starting Jan. 3.
The non-profit agency was awarded grants totaling more than $1 million for their Hyde Shuttle program from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), it was announced on Monday.
The shuttle program provides free transportation for seniors age 55 and older and people with disabilities of any age to services like medical appointments, senior activities, grocery shopping and food banks. Users of the shuttle program do not have to fill out an application to use the transportation services.
For more information about the program, visit www.seniorservices.org and to sign-up for transportation services call 206-727-6262.
The shuttles in Renton will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free, although donations are accepted.
Riders can request service up to 30 days in advance and same day service on a space available basis.
“It is so important that our citizens have convenient access to reliable transportation, no matter their age, income, physical ability or where they live,” said state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond in a release. “These grants give transit providers the ability to serve the people who need efficient transportation options the most.”
Senior Services had to compete with other agencies for financial support administered through a variety of federal and state grant programs.
“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to offer this service to underserved people in our community,” said Cindy Zwart, Senior Services’ transportation program director. “Our sincere thanks go to the lawmakers in Olympia and policy makers at the Federal Transit Administration, because these grants make it possible for us to help some of the people who need it the most.”
In the next two years rural and special needs public transportation programs in 38 counties across the state will be supported by state funds of $13.7 million, authorized by the state Legislature. They will be matched with approximately $25.9 million in funds from the Federal Transit Administration.
