PrimeTime Magazine PrimeTime Summer 2019 | Page 24

Affordable Transportation Through Volunteer Driving Programs WA Transpo is a recently formed collaborative whose goal is to provide affordable transportation to residents in Westmorland and Albert Counties, particularly those in rural areas with little or no options to get where they need to go. The collaborative is comprised of Rural Rides in the Upper Petitcodiac River Valley and Tantramar Region, The Volunteer Center of Southeastern NB Volunteer Driver program in Moncton and Tele-drive in Albert County. These organizations were created to assist seniors, who have mobility and vision impairment issues, by providing them with affordable transportation in order to attend medical appointments, conduct banking transactions and shop for groceries. “We also have expanded our services to those attending social events to counter the feeling of isolation and to remain connected to the community”, says Kelly Taylor, Manager of Rural Rides Ltd. “and we now serve low-income families and individuals as well”. These organizations have been providing low cost transportation in their areas for several years but now realize there are still areas in Westmorland and Albert Counties where access to volunteer driver services does not exist. The organizations have joined forces and are now working together to insure that all residents have equal access to transportation services. The organizations offer safe, reliable, affordable transportation and the convenience that all transportation requests for drives and payments are handled through one central office. A strictly volunteer-driven enterprise, WA Transpo is comprised of drivers who utilize their own private vehicles with compensation for mileage granted by the organizations. Volunteer drivers must have a valid driver’s license, adequate insurance and undergo a criminal records check. There is an ongoing need for volunteer drivers. For more information on how to access transportation, how to become a volunteer driver or when transportation services will be available in your area, call Rural Rides 215-2100 or RR Tantramar 988-2101, Tele-Drive 875-1190, or the Volunteer Centre of Southeastern NB 869-6905. THE #1 CHOICE FOR RETIREMENT LIVING IN ATLANTIC CANADA Our modern campuses offer an active and social atmosphere with a long list of amenities. For those who may require some extra help, Parkland Retirement Living offers a continuum of service options in a supportive environment. It’s about living your best life. Parkland Riverview 822 Coverdale Road, Riverview TO ARRANGE A PERSONALIZED TOUR CALL ALISON BAXTER AT (506) 387-7770 ExperienceParkland.com 24 PrimeTime SUMMER/ÉTÉ 2019