Friday, May 2, 2008
TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS
We are concerned about getting to the downtown area and to have accessed th the New Senior Center.
It appreciated that since calling the senior concerns to the attention of Human Services Director Christine DiPietro the problem of getting to the New Community Senior Center with the moving of the buses from Pleasant Street and elimination of the stop on Washington Street will be addressed before the opening planned for December 2008
We still find that it is still an issue with not only the Seniors and disabled but for all the "shoppers" and "dining out" people the get "downtown" conveniently with a bus service that turns out to be an "express Service" around the downtown area circling right to the Malden Orange Line Rapid Transit Service to travel to areas outside Malden Center.
Since this issue affects all of the citizens of 8 wards of the City I think that ALL
of the Ward City Councilors to look into methods to improving access of the downtown area (with the backing of our at large councilors)
Concerns: Safety in crossing the dangerous intersections, shuttle service to the downtown area, local taxi service ,
We now have a service provided to the Seniors for Medical Transportation that is working well and because it is so in demand it is stressed to the "breaking point"
There is a limited service for Grocery shopping.
In checking out options that are available for seniors and disabled in the local area
mostly the City of Somerville, Cambridge and Medford (limited availability Malden residents) I talked to a representative of SCM about the services they provide and find that they are expanding services to meet the demands for better access to "giving the community a left" They have a service called "Paul Ride"
"They will take you somewhere instead and not limited to Drs Appointment.
617 625 1191
Since MSAC and the writer are supporters on this service we receive their news letter
and I would like to take THE points from the SCM Executive director Reed Cochran
It is another part of the puzzles facing Seniors.
"It should be easier to give up driving"
Many stories appear every day about elderly drivers in tragic driving accidents
Our State calls for mandatory driver testing for the elderly.
Unfortunately this response alone would not fully solve the problem
The real question at hand is: How do we provide reasonable transportation options to
those who can neither drive, nor easily navigate public transportation, nor afford
a taxi (IF ONE IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL SERVICE)
Now not only around the country but right here in Malden citizens who fall into this category are dependent on the generosity of family friends, neighbors as well as under-funded Council on Aging in order to get out and about.
(We have some non profits who should and promise to provide service but come up short with a program no "warm bodies" volunteers)
Im Malden the Vans are always fully booked up getting Seniors to medical appointments.
We all have tragically few transportation options if we wish to age with dignity in our homes and also maintain an enjoyable lifestyle.Visits to friends, theaters, library's, shopping malls OR THE POLLS Should not be coveted luxuries.
Inconvenient bus stops to our Malden Downtown area for a difficult treacherous walk especially on stormy days.
Transportation for all of us as we age is not just a convenience. It is a critical link back to our communities and vital to our ability to control our own lives.
Rather than spending money making it difficult for seniors to drive, why not spend it making it easier for them to give up driving?
Councils on Aging, community transportation agencies, and even for profit companies should be working to create inexpensive options that span 24 hours and all kinds of destinations.
Policy makers might spend their dollars funding organizations-across sectors- that can solve the larger problem.
AS LONG AS NOT DRIVING MEANS BEING STRANDED, WE ARE SURE SENIORS ALL ARE GOING TO TRY TO STAY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Posted by marine41 at
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