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Central Vermont Food Fuel and Transportation Winter Preparedness
The Central Vermont Food, Fuel and Transportation Winter Preparedness Coalition is working on outreach efforts to inform communities on the variety of existing transit services available for individuals in need, particularly those services offered by the Green Mountain Transit Agency (GMTA), Central Vermont’s public transportation provider.
As part of the CVFFT Coalition Transportation Committee, GMTA has been working diligently to educate communities on available transportation resources available to provide needed services. Particularly those services that can support the new “at risk” groups developing from the economic strain being placed on individuals due to every day travel needs and commuting costs.
“GMTA’s main concern is to continue offering services which support the needs of the most transit dependent, like the elderly and individuals with disabilities," stated Tawnya Kristen, GMTA Public Outreach Coordinator and CVFFT Transportation Co-Chair. “But equal attention must be paid to those who require help in easing the high cost of everyday travel.” Ms. Kristen went on to say, “Public transit is now being recognized as a way to support the economic integrity of the average family, thus avoiding a decline in the financial stability of our communities”.
GMTA offers a variety of transportation options, including the newly popular Volunteer Driver Program where participants receive financial reimbursement for miles driven. By becoming a volunteer driver, you can share a ride with a person in need to places like the grocery store, pharmacy and medical appointments and receive reimbursement for traveling to a location you may already be going to on a regular basis.
Other GMTA services include:
- Ticket to Ride - A GMTA and Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) program providing transportation for any reason to the elderly and those with disabilities
- Medicaid Transportation - Medical transportation through bus, taxi or volunteer drivers for those attending medical appointments under the payment of Medicaid.
- Critical Care Transportation - Medical transportation to those receiving care for critical treatments such as radiation and dialysis
- Hannaford’s Free Shopping Shuttle - FREE shuttle service funded by Hannaford’s for Barre and Williamstown to Hannaford’s Grocery each Tuesday
- Fixed Bus Route and Commuter Services - General bus service in Montpelier, Barre, Berlin, Waterbury, Middlesex, Morrisville, Stowe and LINK service to Burlington. Seasonal service to and within the Mad River Valley.
- CVCOA Senior Transportation- For medical, meal site and shopping needs
For further information on GMTA transportation services, tickets or Volunteer Driver Program, call 802-223-7287 or log onto www.gmtaride.org.
For information on all Central Vermont Food, Fuel and Transportation Winter Preparedness Coalition initiatives, please contact either Pat McDonald at 476-8411 or patmcdonald8411@charter.net or Mary Hooper at 793-9512 or maryhooper@verizon.net. McDonald and Hooper are the co-chairs of the CVWPC Communication and Education Action Team.
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