Mayor Grebien, Congressman Cicilline Welcome Senior Transport Shuttle to Fleet

Statement

Today, Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Congressman David Cicilline joined seniors at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center in Pawtucket to welcome the new Senior Transport Shuttle to the city's fleet.

Earlier this year, Congressman David Cicilline was able to procure a surplus sixteen-passenger that was being retired from service from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) transportation fleet, for use by the Leon Mathieu Senior Center, Pawtucket Division of Senior Services. "I want to thank the Congressman for procuring this van for the City and the older residents of Pawtucket that it will serve," said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. "The Congressman's advocacy was the key factor in the City being able to continue to provide excellent services to our seniors," stated the Mayor.

"The help from the Congressman in obtaining the shuttle came at a critical time when the Senior Center was without a back-up vehicle," said Mary Lou Moran, Director of the Senior Center. "The Senior Center operates two senior shuttles and with this acquisition we have the assurance of having a complete fleet. Being able to provide comprehensive transportation services for the older adults of Pawtucket has enabled individuals to age in the community without losing their independence," continued Moran.

"I am delighted that the Leon Mathieu Senior Center received this new shuttle van to help seniors get around the community," said Congressman Cicilline, who advocated directly with Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority on behalf of the senior center. "So many of our seniors rely on transportation through our senior centers to perform basic tasks, like going the grocery shopping or attending doctor's appointment, and the Leon Mathieu Senior Center has a long track-record of proving safe and reliable transportation."

Transportation services are available to Pawtucket residents age 55 and older on the City's two Senior Vans. Transportation is scheduled to a variety of locations including the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, hairdresser/barber and of course the Senior Center. In addition to these core services weekly and monthly special trips are offered to department stores, area restaurants as part of the lunch club, statewide cultural & recreational attractions, as well as to the Department of Motor Vehicles for State identification cards.

This service is available to those who do not have means of transportation to ensure that isolation does not occur and that individuals can remain active in the community. For more information, contact the Leon Mathieu Senior Center by calling 401-728-7582.

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