Maryville offers free 30-day bus passes for seniors and disabled residents; police increase school patrols

Maryville — Town staff on Aug. 12 announced a grant-funded program that will provide free 30-day GPTC bus passes to Maryville residents who are 65 or older and to residents with disabilities. The town is distributing 50 passes per month on a first-come, first-served basis; residents must present proof of age and residency at the administration office to receive a pass.

"Through a grant from the Legacy Foundation, Maryville residents who are 65 and older, as well as any Maryville residents with disabilities, can come in here and get a free 30-day bus pass," Chaz, town administration staff, said at the meeting. The passes will be available while supplies last; staff said 50 will go out each month and that information is posted on the MyMaryville app.

The council also heard a police update from Assistant Chief Matt Vassell. He reported July operational numbers — 2,615 calls for service, 4,561 officer responses, 125 adult arrests, 1 juvenile arrest, 406 traffic stops and 411 traffic citations — and said officers will provide extra patrols at schools when classes resume. "As was mentioned earlier, school starts tomorrow, so we will have officers at all the schools throughout the day," Vassell said, and noted increased emphasis on stop-arm enforcement for school buses and other traffic patrols.

The town encouraged eligible residents to pick up passes at the administration office and directed staff to continue sharing transportation and safety updates through the MyMaryville app and other town communications.