FALL RIVER ─ The Department of Veterans’ Services and the Council on Aging have resumed transportation services for the grocery shopping rides and routine medical appointments for seniors after it was temporarily suspended a month ago.
City Administrator Ann O’Neil-Souza said Veterans’ agent Talos Farris has enlisted a city veteran to a temporary driver’s position as the process moves ahead to find one or two permanent drivers.
In a recent City Council meeting, some councilors criticized the administration for failing to advertise for a driver to replace one that left unexpectedly causing the month-long delay in services.
“The problem isn’t’ lack of vehicles and it isn’t lack of money, it’s a lack of drivers for whatever reason, and I just find it deplorable,” said City Council Vice President Michelle Dionne during the meeting discussion.
O’Neil-Souza said the services for rides for veterans were never suspended, nor was the service to transport senior citizens to doctor appointments.
With the grocery rides back up and running, which run to Walmart and Market Basket on alternating weeks, seniors living in the North End, with Bedford Street the dividing the line, transportation is available on Fridays.
For those living in the South End seniors can hop a ride on Mondays.
Riders must be able to walk to and from the van without assistance and there is a three-bag limit.
To book a ride or for more information contact Veteran & Senior Transportation Services at 508-324-2432.
