What is it?
A new transportation system for adults age 60 and older and visually impaired individuals called iTNGreaterBoston debuted in 15 Greater Boston and MetroWest communities including West Roxbury and Roslindale this week.
The nonprofit transportation network matches older adults who are unable or no longer want to drive, with volunteer drivers from their own communities. Carefully screened drivers provide door-through-door rides in their own or donated cars, providing an affordable, flexible mode of transport for seniors often rely on family members when public transportation is not accessible.
“This is not just a ride to and from the health center or the grocery store, but an opportunity for residents of the same town to build connectivity and for organizations to increase their collaborative impact within the community,” says Jean Patel-Bushnell, executive director of iTNGreaterBoston.
What’s the background?
In order to launch, iTNGreaterBoston received start-up funding from MetroWest Health Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
“Many active older adults are isolated in their own homes due to lack of transportation options. Access to everyday services and just knowing you can go where you want when you want is invaluable to our senior population and the community at large,” said Martin Cohen, president and chief executive officer of the MetroWest Health Foundation.
Further funding comes from membership costs (riders become members with pre-funded personal accounts) and a small fee per mile. Riders can also earn and store transportation credits for future use through donating their own cars to iTNGreaterBoston. The system’s modest cost reduces the financial obstacles many elders face with alternate transportation options such as car services.
How can I find out more?
The iTNGreaterBoston program is an affiliate of iTNAmerica that has 22 networks nationwide. Phase one of a multiphase rollout includes the communities of Fenway, Mission Hill, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Allston, Brighton, Brookline, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Natick, Framingham and Ashland.
For more information on how to volunteer or become a member of iTNGreaterBoston, call 508-309-7375 or visit itngreaterboston.org.