Commission discusses options for wheelchair-accessible transportation and vehicle partnerships

Lede: The Holyoke Commission on Disability discussed Sept. 25 several approaches to expanding wheelchair-accessible transportation for residents, including partnering with the senior center, working with the regional transit authority and seeking vehicles made available by the transit authority.

Nut graf: Commissioners said the PVTA or regional transit authority sometimes makes decommissioned vehicles available cheaply to community entities and suggested the commission coordinate with local partners, especially the senior center, to assess interest and need before moving forward.

Body: Marlene explained that the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) often disposes of vehicles and can make them available at very low cost to community organizations: "Before the transit authority disposes of vehicles, what they do is they make them available at, like, a dollar to community entities." She said one nearby community had acquired accessible transportation through its senior center that way.

Commissioners discussed whether funds would support operating costs or capital purchase, depending on the arrangement. Lynn said commission funds could contribute either to operations in partnership with transit or to capital costs if the commission elected to buy equipment. Commissioners emphasized the importance of engaging the senior center and Nevaeh (named as a contact) to determine local interest. Marlene said other neighborhoods with fewer car owners or higher density could especially benefit, and suggested meeting with the transit authority representative to understand routing and coordination.

Ending: Action items included identifying the PVTA representative for Holyoke, reconnecting with the senior center contact, and forming a small working group to outline options for a vehicle acquisition or partnership that could be funded or supported by the commission.