The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority advisory board has taken steps to avoid the need for cutbacks in the dial-a-ride service for seniors.
The PVTA advisory board has voted to separate the optional service offered to seniors from the federally-mandated paratransit vans that transport people with disabilities. Officials say using separate van fleets will improve the on-time performance for the paratransit trips with no changes in dial-a-ride service.
Seniors had turned out a PVTA board meeting earlier this year to protest possible cuts. Patti Williams of the Mass. Senior Action Council is pleased with the PVTA’s plan.
"I think they did the right thing and we are very pleased about it," she said.
The PVTA also announced a pilot program to expand dial-a-ride services to Saturdays.
