Tri-Town 55+ Coalition Achieves Milestone
Since its launch in April 2017, the Rides for Seniors program has provided over 5,000 subsidized rides for residents 65 and older living in Madison, Chatham Borough and Chatham Township. More than 400 registered seniors have taken advantage of the on-demand car service to run errands, get to doctor’s appointments, go shopping or visit loved ones. Tri-Town 55+ Coalition started the program in partnership with GoGoGrandparent, a national company based in California, which accesses Uber and Lyft using an 800 number instead of a smartphone.
While GoGoGrandparent is available nationwide, the Rides for Seniors program is the only one of its kind to offer a subsidy for Chatham and Madison residents. Eligible riders receive $5 off each ride up to four rides per month. The subsidy is made possible through grant funding and sponsorship support, including grants from the Grotta Fund for Senior Care and sponsorships from local organizations such as Madison Rotary. A Gift-a-Ride program is also available to offset the costs for riders. For more information, to register for Rides for Seniors or donate, visit the Tri-Town 55+ Coalition website at tritown55plus.org.
Riders enjoy the program because of its convenience, safety and the independence it provides. One of our riders, Catherine Moy, lives in Chatham and has taken over 60 rides through the Rides for Seniors Program. She stated that “it’s really convenient for me because I don’t drive. I am very grateful that we have such a program in Chatham and the drivers so far have been very courteous … I really like the program.” When asked if she recommends Rides for Seniors to her friends, she stated, “I do all the time … I recommend whenever they need a ride and no one’s there to drive them I say call GoGoGrandparent.”
Rides for Seniors is making a difference in the lives of older residents like Catherine throughout our community.
