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Greater Waterbury Transit District adds Woodbury to Dial‑A‑Ride and launches senior outreach push
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Summary
The Greater Waterbury Transit District voted to include Woodbury in its Dial‑A‑Ride area and is forming a marketing subcommittee to boost awareness among seniors and caregivers, with outreach events and new printed and web materials planned.
The Greater Waterbury Transit District on March 11 confirmed that Woodbury will join its Dial‑A‑Ride service area and outlined a marketing and outreach campaign aimed at senior centers and caregivers.
Chair opened the board’s item on public outreach by saying the district will staff a table at a community caregivers event on March 14 and visit the Woodbury Senior Center on March 17. The chair asked for volunteers for a new marketing subcommittee that will meet quarterly to produce outreach materials and plan in‑person visits to senior centers, tutorials to help people make reservations, and a branded table for community events.
Myra LeVasseur, director and municipal agent for the Waterbury Senior Center, urged the board to prioritize in‑person outreach for seniors and people with disabilities, saying transportation limits keep some seniors from accessing services, medical assistance and the center’s mobile food pantry. “Transportation is really the key,” LeVasseur said during public comment.
Joanna (staff) and Maria Vaccarelli of Northeast Transportation explained operational changes tied to Woodbury’s entry: Woodbury will fill a vehicle slot that became available when Thomaston left the Dial‑A‑Ride group, giving Woodbury one van on Wednesdays while Waterbury retains its own van. Maria Vaccarelli confirmed Northeast Transportation will begin Woodbury service on April 1 and plans to attend the March 17 senior‑center meeting to answer questions.
Staff said the district will update printed flyers and the website with a new service map showing that Woodbury riders can travel to other Dial‑A‑Ride towns and vice versa. The board discussed low‑cost promotional items (magnets, shopping bags) and a short online tutorial to walk users through reservation and sign‑up procedures.
The district called the outreach work a priority, noting that Dial‑A‑Ride remains reservation based and vehicles seat about 16 people, so better public awareness and assistance will help residents secure rides.
The plan is advisory at this stage; the board formed the marketing subcommittee and tasked staff to produce materials and a schedule for center visits and public events.
