Erie County Announces Van Donations for Senior Citizens

January 10, 2009

Erie County Executive Chris Collins today handed over the keys to three brand-new vans for the Erie County sponsored Going Places Van Service – a shuttle service for seniors in need of transportation. The 12 passenger vans were given to the towns of Cheektowaga and Concord as well as the City of Tonawanda.

"In donating the vans, Erie County is providing yet another example of how different levels of government can work together for the betterment of their residents," said County Executive Collins. "These communities identified a void in their care for senior citizens that Erie County was able to help fill. The new vans will provide an invaluable service to our community's senior population."

According to Erie County Senior Services Commissioner Brenda Ward, the van donation is part of an ongoing county program. "With one out of every five Erie County residents over the age of 60 and many of them living alone, we are aware there is a definite need for transportation assistance. County-wide, the Going Places program has provided approximately 60,000 trips this past year alone. Erie County is happy to assist our residents in maintaining their independence for as long as possible."

The Going Places vans are used to transport independently active seniors to destinations such as medical and health centers, retail and grocery stores and banks throughout Erie County. Requirements for use of the Going Places vans include:

•Riders must be aged 60 years or older without transportation

•Riders must be physically able to enter and exit the van under their own ability

If a resident qualifies under these requirements, they can contact Going Places at 858-RIDE and will be provided with the necessary information on using the van service.

Curb-to-curb van service is available for senior residents of Erie County who are living independently but unable to use conventional means of transportation. Reservations for health-related trips may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance, and non-medical trips may be scheduled one week in advance. A brief, one time, registration is required for service. Calls can be made between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday at 858-RIDE (858-7433).

The Going Places van service is available in the cities of Buffalo and Tonawanda, as well as the towns of Aurora, Boston, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Collins, Concord, Elma, Evans, Lancaster, Newstead, Orchard Park, and West Seneca. In addition to regular van service, wheelchair service is also available in the towns of Cheektowaga and West Seneca. Requests for travel outside the providers service area is limited and is not always able to be accommodated.