BCAT News

Counseling On Aging Director Marge McDonald was before the Board of Selectmen for an update on the operation of Burlington’s Community Transportation Pilot Program. 

Just prior to delivering her report McDonald commended the efforts of her staff in assisting Burlington’s senior citizens with COVID vaccination appointments. 

“We’ve been inundated with phone calls for the last two weeks. Ever since the Governor told everybody to call the COAs at a press conference about covid vaccines,” McDonald said. “It literally got so bad we had to let calls go to voicemail. The COA staff has done an outstanding job of staying calm and getting back to people as quickly as possible. This whole thing is very frustrating and they’ve done a great job.” 

Burlington is coming up on the first year anniversary of the transportation program. Qualifying residents receive a stipend provided by the town for Lyft rides leaving from or arriving in Burlington. The program also provides a service called GoGo Grandparent which is a rider call-in service for those unfamiliar with using smart phone apps.

McDonald reported that the program had a good start however the numbers were affected by the COVID pandemic. It’s picked up gradually since July and has tripled in ridership since September. The program is progressing successfully but there is still room for improvement according to McDonald.

With a successful pilot program McDonald talked about moving forward with community outreach. The plan calls for PSAs and informational programs with BCAT, providing brochures to the Housing Authority and Affordable Housing, and also provide People Helping People with information as well.

McDonald also mentioned a possible contest to give the program an official name. Right now the program is being referred to as the Community Transportation Pilot Program.

The program currently has $200,500 in its account from operating budget, state funding and subsidies, and bus fees. McDonald believes the existing funds should be enough for quite a while. 

Selectmen Jim Tigges suggested providing information and brochures to apartment complexes in an effort to reach elderly tenants. Tigges also asked about connecting with Lahey Hospital on the program. McDonald said she will reach out to Lahey’s community benefits personnel. 

Board member Nick Priest inquired about the total costs to the town, which is $10 per ride with the rider covering the cost of a lengthier ride. Priest also asked about collecting demographic information.  

McDonald said she’s aware of who is using the program but does not have data on destinations or where residents are riding from. She also noted there’s been an uptick in riders over the weekends. 

Town Administrator Paul Sagarino commented favorably on weekend ridership which was not always available with the B-Line. Burlington’s aging population and those with low income are finding the program useful. 

To qualify for the Burlington’s transportation program one must be 60 years old or over, or have a disability or meet certain income guidelines below the poverty level. 

Sagarino also mentioned the Town Transportation Committee is on the agenda for the next Board of Selectmen meeting which will include Counseling On Aging Director Marge McDonald.