New grant and partnership to offer Yonkers seniors with free, on-demand rides
The $30,000 grant from the State Office for the Aging will allow people over the age of 60 to call for six free rides per month.
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Yonkers is making it easier for seniors to get around the city.
"Anything they can do for senior citizens is a good idea," says Jimy Douglas, a Yonkers resident.
This is all because of a new grant and partnership between the Yonkers Office for the Aging and GoGoGrandparent.
The $30,000 grant from the State Office for the Aging will allow people over the age of 60 to call for six free rides per month.
"GoGoGrandparent is a connection to Uber services however the senior doesn't need to have a smartphone or an app. They can call," says Kelly Chiarella, director for the Yonkers Office for the Aging.
This 24/7 service is in addition to all existing senior transportation services.
As of now, about 60 people are signed up. It's free while the funding is available.
No app or smartphone is needed, all you need to do is call.
"This has flexibility. You can really call whenever you want and then come back whenever you want," says Chiarella.
People say this service could be a game-changer and they would use it "without a doubt."
"There are times that I'm not feeling well, and I don't want to take the chance of driving myself," says Ken Wales, a Yonkers resident.
"I think many people will take advantage of that. Many people don't have the chance to drive themselves," says Douglas.
Some say while they don't need it, they think it'll be helpful for others who need a scheduled or on-demand ride.
"Everybody needs to run out and do a few errands or get to the doctor," says John Ruocco, a Yonkers resident.
To register, call 914-377-6822.
