The Bay Area Transportation Authority and the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging are launching a new pilot service that provides dedicated door-to-door transportation for seniors in Grand Traverse County. The new service is called COAST, Commission on Aging Senior Transit, and the pilot will offer rides at no cost to any qualified COA member.
COAST service details:
- Service begins Monday, November 13, 2017 (An official ribbon cutting will be held on Nov. 13 at 9:15 a.m. in front of the COA offices located at 520 W Front St # B, Traverse City, MI 49684)
- Operates Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Initial 90-day pilot will service all of Grand Traverse County
- COA members can reserve rides starting Thursday, Nov. 9 by calling BATA at 231-941-2324
- The COAST bus will be identified with special branding and bus wrap graphics
“One of the biggest challenges for our seniors is access to reliable and affordable transportation,” said Cindy Kienlen, Director, Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging. “Partnering with BATA to provide dedicated rides to COA members offers an opportunity to save seniors money, encourage more ridership and reduce the complexity and staff resources required with our current transportation voucher system.”
The COA has contracted with BATA to provide this dedicated service to COA members. Grand Traverse seniors 60 and older can become COA members at no cost by calling 231-922-4688.
“We’re are excited to partner with COA to provide this valuable service to seniors in our community,” said BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham. “We hope seniors will take advantage of this dedicated transportation option for health and wellness activities especially as winter weather heads our way and inclement conditions make it harder to travel.”
