PVTA Donates Three Vans to Springfield’s Seniors
SPRINGFIELD, MA.,--Today the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority donated three retired vans to Springfield’s Department of Elder Affairs. The ceremony to hand over of keys and vehicle registration was held at the Riverview Center at 122 Clyde St., Springfield.
Mayor Sarno extended his appreciation to PVTA for their generous donation and stated “during these difficult fiscal times our Department of Elder Affairs is looking for cost effective ways to transport our senior residents to various appointments, food banks and grocery stores.” “These vans will assist seniors with their transportation needs,” said Sarno.
The PVTA was able to purchase twenty new paratransit vehicles using $1,025,800 in Federal stimulus funds. The twenty new vans will replace twenty aging vans in the existing fleet. The PVTA has a total of 144 vehicles that provide transportation to ADA eligible and senior riders. In 2009 the vehicles transported over 308,323 paratransit riders throughout the PVTA service area.
“I am pleased to provide three PVTA cans to the Springfield’s Department of Elder Affairs. These vehicles served the transportation needs of mobility impaired persons and senior citizens through out the Pioneer Valley. It is rewarding to know that as PVTA retires these vehicles from service they will continue to serve the transportation needs of Springfield’s senior citizens,” stated Mary MacInnes, Administrator for the PVTA.
The three vans are all 2001 Dodge Ram models, have 8-passenger seating and are wheelchair accessible. The vans will be used to transport senior citizens to various cultural, social, recreational and educational activities.
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