Janowski Would Acquire More Transportation for Senior Center

Former State Representative and Mayoral Candidate Claire Janowski announced today that she would arrange for more transportation or acquire an additional senior bus with greater capacity for permanent use by the Vernon Senior Center to meet the increased demand for transportation to the center as well as to senior events.

She said that seniors have complained to her that they continuously miss out on popular events like the traditional, long-standing “Out to Lunch Bunch” because the bus fills to capacity very quickly, rendering them unable to participate due to lack of transportation. Many told her that they call to reserve as soon as signs ups open and find that the bus is already full. They end up on a waiting list that goes nowhere as there is no transportation available to meet the demand. The waiting list relies solely on slots opening due to cancellations and has not translated to providing additional transportation.

Seniors at senior housing have also complained that they miss numerous daytime in-house events and activities at the center because the Center’s bus pickup at Senior Housing for transportation to the Center is currently limited to one day per week, restricting participation for many seniors.

“This population is particularly vulnerable, as many do not drive and are reliant on the Center’s bus transportation to participate in the variety of in-house senior events and activities. The one day per week pickup is restrictive and is not enough,” Janowski said.

“More transportation is clearly needed and I will pursue all means possible to make it happen. Our community has invested over $2 million in the new location and it is vital that citizen access and participation not be hindered by lack of transportation, “Janowski said.

According to current information, there is only one bus for Senior Center use, and it is sometimes shared with other departments. It provides pick-up and return trips to Senior Housing one day per week, with Tuesday pickup beginning at 8:30 am to the Senior Center and return trips at 12:30 and 3:30 pm. The Vernon Senior Center membership is open to Vernon residents as well as residents from surrounding towns.