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Council learns the senior center has secured a grant for a new vehicle; staff outline rider assessments and accessibility plans
Summary
Board members were told a grant award for a new accessible vehicle was obtained and discussed transportation logistics, rider assessments and the need to post a driver; the center also noted current transport assessments for new riders.
Pam, a Friends representative, announced at the meeting that the grant funding for a new accessible vehicle has been secured and that the award includes a vehicle and driver through a state transit program.
Pam said she asked the city’s grant writer about the vehicle and was told “it happened. We got it.” The board discussed logistics for posting a driver and for using the vehicle for outings; Tanya said documents on ridership and accessibility were submitted and are under city review.
Why it matters: a dedicated accessible vehicle expands the center’s capacity to bring more seniors to programs and outings and to provide on‑demand transportation for members who need mobility support.
Operational details: Tanya described the center’s current intake process for seniors who request transportation: if a driver is available staff perform a short on‑site assessment to determine ambulation and light support needs before registering a rider for service. The board noted that some riders may not be current members but can be eligible for certain outings; operational rules and ridership logistics remain under review by city staff.
Timing and next steps: staff said they do not yet have a delivery timeline for the vehicle; Pam said the grant is through MassDOT and the MBTA and that vehicles are part of a rotation. The city will need to post for a driver when the vehicle is received, and staff will confirm availability and scheduling once the vehicle is assigned.
