In August, Cape Ann Seniors on the Go expanded eligibility for its Thursday farmers market runs to include all residents of two public housing authority developments in Gloucester. Residents of any age who live in the Riverdale and Willowood neighborhoods can now ride alongside local older adults to the farmers market on Thursdays. “The farmers market accepts SNAP, EBT, and WIC farmers market coupons and participates in the Healthy Incentives Program, so we’re trying to encourage people to use those benefits or sign up for them if they are eligible,” explains Jennifer Donnelly, Grant Coordinator for the Cape Ann Mass in Motion initiative.

When it first launched, Cape Ann Seniors on the Go offered rides only to older adults who live in public housing in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester. Over time, they have expanded eligibility, opening rides last winter to all residents age 65 and over. Rides are limited to locations related to nutrition or fitness. In Gloucester and Rockport, the Cape Ann Transit Authority (CATA) provides the rides, while the Manchester Council on Aging provides the rides in Manchester and Essex. Originally funded through an Efficiency and Regionalization Grant, the service received a DPH Healthy Aging grant last year that funds operations through June 2022.

"We have actually seen ridership increase during the pandemic, so that tells us there is a need, and people desperately want to get out," Donnelly says. "People appreciate that it's free, and also the trips are social. People are making connections. We even have one rider who wants to host a barbecue for all her friends from the bus!" Looking ahead, Donnelly plans to continue outreach to attract additional riders, and also hopes to set up a Rider Advisory Council with representation from local housing authority residents.

Whether waiting for the bus or pausing during a walk, people traveling through Greenfield now have nearly a dozen new benches to rest on at high-usage bus stops in the downtown area. Wayne Waldron, Assistant General Manager for the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA)’s operating company, identified popular bus stops and partnered with the Greenfield DPW to review them for accessibility. Once a location received approval, Waldron’s maintenance team installed the bench. The bright blue benches are attention-grabbing, small enough to fit at stops that cannot support a full shelter, and very popular: Waldron frequently sees people sitting on them, and has heard positive feedback from both drivers and riders.

The benches are part of a larger initiative to better mark the location of bus stops. Last year, FRTA installed bus stop signs in downtown Greenfield. This year, they are also stenciling onto the road to deter cars from parking in bus stops. Building on the success in Greenfield, Waldron is currently working with Montague to install the blue benches at the town’s high-usage bus stops.

Applications are open for the FY22 Community Compact Best Practices Program and the America Walks Community Change Grants. For details and more funding opportunities, check out our webpage on funding for community transportation.

Register by October 1 if you are interested in participating in COVID Recovery and Transportation, a free, online course from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center.

Dementia-Friendly Transportation: Training for Drivers on Assisting Passengers with Dementia

Northern Essex Elder Transport (NEET) is hiring an Administrator. The Administrator is responsible to the NEET Board of Directors for the management, administrative, and volunteer recruitment functions of the NEET volunteer driver program. To apply, send your resume to [email protected].

The Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition is hiring a part-time Active Transportation, Physical Activity, and Environment Coordinator.

The Massachusetts Public Health Association is hiring a Part-Time Campaign Coordinator to work on a Transit Justice & Stable Neighborhoods campaign in Worcester and Springfield.

Many transportation companies that provide human service trips are hiring. If you are interested in applying to drive or serve as a monitor to help consumers access key health and social services, check out these opportunities.

For up-to-date information about a particular transportation service, please contact the transportation provider directly. And remember, if you're taking a trip, bring a mask! Masks are still mandatory on public and private transportation services.

Transportation and vaccine access in Massachusetts:

Vaccine and vaccine outreach information:

Reopening guidance:

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