The new vehicles are capable of carrying up to 18 passengers and include two wheelchair-accessible seats. They replace smaller vans which did not include wheelchair lifts and were nearing the end of their useful life.
“I am truly proud Dutchess County is able to provide seniors with this state-of-the-art transportation to and from their local Senior Friendship Center,” County Executive Molinaro said.
“Our Senior Friendship Centers help elderly residents, especially those who no longer have transportation of their own, to enjoy access to socialization opportunities, a nutritious midday meal and the opportunity to take a weekly trip to the grocery store – services many of us who still drive take for granted.”
The new buses, purchased and funded by Dutchess County, will be part of a fleet of four OFA buses and five vans. They will go into service in mid-March and replace two vehicles.
“Many Dutchess County seniors often list transportation as their top priority, and I’m happy these new buses will help our Office for the Aging continue to address that concern,” said County Legislature John M. Thomes, chairman of the Family and Human Services Committee.
The Office for the Aging’s Senior Friendship Centers provide an opportunity for seniors to share in a hot meal, partake in social activities and receive nutrition screening, assessment, education and counseling.
Centers are located in Beacon, East Fishkill, Millerton, Pawling, the City of Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, South Amenia, and the Tri-Town Center which serves the towns of Poughkeepsie, Pleasant Valley and LaGrange.
For more information, call (845) 486-2555.
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