During the Tuesday BOCS yesterday, many citizens came forward during Citizens Time to urge the supervisors to restore a transportation system for the seniors of Prince William County. Last July 1 the county ended a bus program that transported senior citizens between Woodbridge and Manassas senior citizen centers, to doctors and hospitals , and to other spots around town. Economic downturn and shortage of revenue was given as the reason.
The senior centers provide a hot lunch and companionship for those who participate. Many seniors go to the centers to see friends, do activities and to be with people their own age. Replacement vouchers have been allocated for those seniors who don’t drive and who make less than $30,000 a year. Unfortunately, the vouchers only cover about 6 outings. According to News and Messenger:
As county revenue continues to decline, the county’s staff slashed more than $150,000 from its $254,116 senior center and adult day care transportation budget. The move forced officials to eliminate four positions, as well as sell a small fleet of 15-passenger vans used to transport seniors.
With the remaining funds, the county created a pilot voucher system that allows seniors to use taxi cabs or local transit buses to do routine tasks, such as go to the doctor, get prescriptions filled or go grocery shopping.
The board allocated $30,000 in additional funding to the new program, for a total of $130,000. Officials limited voucher recipients to those over age 55 who cannot drive, and to those who make less than $30,000 per year, or couples that make less than $40,000 annually.
The vouchers, ranging in value from $1 to $5, are few, many said. And once they are gone, there is no way for them to get to the senior center.
