By Joan Bowen
Members of the Transportation Advisory Committee met with the Selectmen to discuss the establishment of a program to provide subsidized taxi service for senior citizens and persons who are disabled. The intent is to offer an addition to the Bedford Local Transit Service and MBTA services by providing direct transportation with extended hours and geographical coverage.
Lexington has established such a program. Funded completely through private funds, the service is provided by a private taxi service located in Waltham. Now in its second year of operation, the service allows users to purchase vouchers for $3 for a one-way trip. The Town is billed $10 when a voucher is used. Originally, the service was restricted to in-town and to adjacent towns service but it has now been expanded to include Cambridge, Concord, Newton, Somerville and Weston. Boston trips are not included.
Asked about her experience with the service, Lexington resident Hanna Papanek told The Citizen: “Now that I no longer drive at all, this transportation program is most helpful. Under this program, [I] can go anywhere within the town (1 voucher per person) and to adjacent towns (2 vouchers) or selected area towns (3 vouchers). You have to call for service the day before. It’s a significant discount: to go to Bedford First Parish UU, which I attend regularly, I would otherwise have to pay $25 dollars each way on the taxi meter from my home in East Lexington. I am delighted that my town has instituted this very helpful program for older or disabled adults!”
The Selectmen responded favorably to the recommendation. Noting that the transportation program in Lexington is fully funded by generous donations from the Friends of the Council on Aging, the Dana Home Foundation and gifts to the Lexington Senior Center, Town Manager Richard Reed was asked to develop some additional information. This includes developing potential costs and preliminary inquiries to potential providers about their interest. It was also suggested that he talk with the Council on Aging about their interest.
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