Natick Welcomes Ride Service for Seniors and Disabled

The local affiliate of growing senior rides provider ITNAmerica, known as ITNGreaterBoston, made its move to the area last week. The nonprofit organization, fueled by volunteer drivers, now serves 15 new communities in the Greater Boston and MetroWest area, including Natick.

For a membership fee and a small cost per mile traveled, seniors and the visually impaired will be driven by pre-screened volunteer drivers who will offer "door-through-door" service to make sure the passengers make it to errands, doctors appointments and other trips safely. Drivers will earn points in exchange for hours driven, which they can save for themselves someday or donate to family members for free rides. Riders can also earn mileage by donating their cars to the program.

ITNAmerica has 22 networks across the country. ITNGreaterBoston now serves Natick, Framingham, Ashland, Wellesley, Newton, Needham, Brookline, Brighton, Allston, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mission Hill and the Fenway area.

“Many active older adults are isolated in their own homes due to lack of transportation options. Access to everyday services and just knowing you can go where you want when you want is invaluable to our senior population and the community at large,” said Martin Cohen, president and CEO of the MetroWest Health Foundation, which provided funding along with the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to get the program going in this area.

“This is not just a ride to and from the health center or the grocery store; but an opportunity for residents of the same town to build connectivity and for organizations to increase their collaborative impact within the community,” said Jean Patel-Bushnell, executive director of ITNGreaterBoston.

For more information on the ITNGreaterBoston program and to find out how to get involved, visit their website, ITNGreaterBoston.org.

This information was included in a press release from ITNGreaterBoston.