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Transportation for seniors
By State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley
As co-chair of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) caucus in the legislature, I recognize that access to public transportation is a very important issue to Berkshire County, particularly to seniors. Often no longer able to drive or without access to a vehicle, seniors must rely on other forms of transportation – family, friends, or public. Without expansive services like the subway and commuter rail, which are available in other parts of the Commonwealth, access to the bus and other forms of transportation becomes increasingly more important. That is why I have continued to fight for the expansion of services.
At a certain point, it may become more difficult for seniors to operate and maintain their own vehicles. In addition, though gas prices have been recently declining, for people living on a fixed income, the large fluctuation in prices makes it challenging to balance a monthly budget.
The main premise of the caucus is to organize efforts and advocate in the legislature on behalf of RTAs across the Commonwealth. This past fiscal year, we secured $57,888,391 — a $2.6 million increase from FY '08. This funding will both fend off proposed service reductions and allow RTAs to continue to provide quality, reliable and cost-effective service for seniors, workers, the disabled and the general public.
Serving 23 communities throughout Berkshire County, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) offers a variety of routes for residents. The BRTA offers half-priced rides to senior and disabled passengers. Residents who subscribe to Commonwealth Care health insurance and have a disability or handicap that prohibits normal transportation may use the BRTA to travel to non-emergency medical appointments. The BRTA also offers a premium chair-car service for seniors and people with disabilities, offering door-to-door service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In addition to the BRTA, there are many local councils on aging throughout the county that provide van rides to destinations such as senior centers, community centers and other social activities. These services work in tandem with the BRTA by offering flexible routes and schedules.
It is important that basic public services such as transportation are maintained as more people may opt to utilize public transportation.
Looking forward, we must ensure that these services are not cut and that prices do not increase for all consumers.
Daniel E. Bosley is State Representative for the First Berkshire District.
He can be reached at 617-722-2370 or by email at Rep.DanielBosley@hou.state.ma.us. His blog is http://danielbosley.blogspot.com.