Seniors in Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston are ready to get out and about

Sringwell announced in April a $90,000 grant from MassDevelopment aimed at expanding transportation service capacity through contracts with licensed taxi or livery businesses. Springwell’s mission to provide comprehensive services to seniors, individuals with disabilities and those who provide care, includes access to transportation for both social engagements and medical appointments. With the financial support of this grant, Springwell partnered with Alternative Transportation Systems, LLC to create a transportation resource for individuals age 60+ and those younger with disabilities who live in Springwell’s eight town service area (Belmont, Brookline, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston) for both medical and non-medical purposes.

The new service was greeted with excitement by seniors and senior-serving organizations, and the phones at both Springwell and Alternative started ringing immediately. To respond for the demand for information about the program even before a ride is needed, Springwell has created an FAQ document that is posted on our website about the program, and is now taking all calls for first-time riders to the program to answer any questions before sending them to Alternative for booking. First time riders, or those with questions about the program can call Springwell’s Information and Referral Specialists at (617)926-4100.

Those who are ready to book a ride should use the online portal at https://alt-trans.com/springwell/or if unable to do so, they can call Alternative directly at (857) 364-6570. Calling with 48 hours lead time is recommended. Alternative will confirm each transport directly with the individual. Riders do not have to be enrolled in a Springwell program to be eligible for a ride.

Seniors have expressed great appreciation both for the rides, and for the quality of the services received, expressed by voice messages extolling, “the prompt and friendly drivers,” “the quality of the van and the level of service by the drivers,” and “the time everyone took to give information about the services offered.” Rides have been provided for much needed in-person medical appointments, trips to the grocery store, and outings to malls and other recreational activities. After only a little more than a month, more than (#) rides have been provided.  It is expected that the grant funds will be depleted prior to the end of the grant period which is  December 31, 2021.

About Springwell, Inc. (www.springwell.com)

Springwell is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people who need long-term services and supports to remain independent and healthy in the setting of their choice. Services are made possible in part by contracts with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, MassHealth, contracts with insurance and health care providers and also through the generosity of individuals and institutions that provide critical philanthropic support.