Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

The Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank Foundation’s recent gift of $10,000 designated for the GoGoGrandparent Program will make it possible for this pilot program of the Island-wide Transportation Coalition to continue to offer rides on the Island for aging adults. We appreciate the bank’s continuing support of these vital community programs.

The program, launched in 2021, provides both pre-scheduled and on-demand car rides for essential and enrichment activities on Island. To take part there are two steps to take: Step 1: register for the program with Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard; Step 2: call 855-464-6872 where an operator (working 24 hours a day) will log in the rider’s destination information and pass that information along to the insured Uber or Lyft driver. Drivers must meet strict criteria to participate in the program.

The rides are pre-paid by Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard (including a tip for the driver). Passengers may bring along someone to help if there are mobility issues and walkers and foldable wheelchairs can be accommodated.

Since its launch, 200 aging adults have taken advantage of the program and new participants are welcome.

Thirteen Island organizations, including government agencies, belong to the transportation coalition. The coalition sponsors include the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation, as well as Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard.

Cindy Trish

Edgartown

The writer is the executive director of Healthy Aging Martha’s Vineyard.