Hamden's mayor and transit officials assured seniors at the Davenport-Dunbar Residence that they would not be stranded because a pre-scheduled group shuttle will no longer operate.
Before Tuesday afternoon’s meeting, Marylou Sablitz told NBC Connecticut she relies on specialized shuttles to get around.
“I don’t know how I would get to my doctor’s appointments,” she said. “I don’t know if I can get on a bus with a walker”
Rep. Mike D’Agostino (D-Hamden) said residents reached out to him after learning a pre-scheduled group shuttle managed by Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) that goes to the Hamden Plaza would no longer run.
“That’s a service we want to continue in an era where we are looking to save money and do things efficiently,” D’Agostino said. "That was a remarkably efficient service. I’m still perplexed as to why it’s being terminated.”
The federal funding for the shuttle ran out, GNHTD Executive Director Kim Dunham said. She added the reason for the meeting was, “so that these folks understand what all of their mobility options are, many of them use are other services, so this shuttle ending does not mean they will not have transportation.”
Mayor Curt Leng (D) told residents Hamden’s senior mini-bus services will supply the shuttles to cover their transportation needs.
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“If the group chooses they’d like to continue with two set times, four set times, or one set time that’s fine,” Leng said. “But there’s also the ability to pick any day of the week and make an appointment.”
Hamden seniors (60+) can book a shuttle ride for a medical, errand or nutrition reason by calling (203) 288-2885. The Hamden shuttle service costs $1.00 round trip.
