As a solution to transportation challenges that many senior citizens face, Fayette County residents 60 years of age and older can now get transportation assistance to go to doctor’s offices, beauty shops, banks, shopping centers, and regional medical centers thanks to the new FSS “Ticket to Ride” voucher program.

For a nominal fee, participating seniors can arrange transportation services and can pay for these services using vouchers purchased at a discounted rate. Since the program’s launch this past September, more than 15 seniors have taken advantage of the program.

One participant, who recently went shopping at her own leisure, described the service as a “wonderful pleasure.” Another, a gentleman on a limited income, formerly had to pay a premium price for a ride to a medical center out of town but now uses the vouchers to cover the costs of those trips. Many participants describe the program as “a blessing”; because it enables them to resolve transportation issues that often hinder them from getting to appointments, the grocery store, or other activities.

The program is also a benefit to the many transportation providers who make available transportation to the seniors. While meeting the needs of Fayette County seniors, they can also make a little income to cover their costs and time. Participating seniors have a choice of selecting a registered transportation provider, who may be a friend, family member, or other person or business that has been approved as a driver for the program. Transportation providers must first register with Fayette Senior Services. To ensure safety of the participants, transportation providers are subject to a screening process. Two persons living in the same household/address may not have a participant/provider relationship.

The “Ticket to Ride” voucher program is managed by Fayette Senior Services and operated in partnership with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Office of Aging.

For program details and more information on how to become a participating senior or a registered transportation provider, call Fayette Senior Services at 770-461-0813 or visit www.fayss.org.

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