Westminster transportation service proving popular

With free rides for elders, disabled ridership is rising

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Westminster will continue to provide a free transportation service for seniors and those experiencing a disability after a pilot program had higher than expected usage rates.

In July of 2022, the city council approved the free service for residents 60 and older and people experiencing short or long-term disabilities.

It ran Monday through Friday from e city partnered with Via Mobility Services. It cost Westminster $83,200 and they received another $83,200 from federal grants. Councilors approved the new service by a vote of 6-1, with Councilor Bruce Baker in opposition due to nancial concerns.

8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. allowing residents to ride for free within 15 miles of their home.

“I think it’s a fantastic way to leverage our funds by doubling them to run a pilot program that impacts well over 17% of our community,” City Councilor Sarah Nurmela said at the time.

According to a report from the

May 15 study session meeting, the program saw a steady increase in unique clients. September, the rst full month of service, had 27 clients and that number rose to 65 by the program’s end in March 2023.

In the rst quarter of 2023, 156 people used the service and took 553 trips. Two-thirds of all trips were taken by Adams County residents. “Most trip lengths were from two to four miles one way and were for grocery shopping. Other trips included medical visits, adult day care, employment, personal such as haircuts and visits with friends, recreational, and volunteering,” the report reads.

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“Sta continues to identify opportunities to improve mobility for these vulnerable populations to support their health, independence, and ability to age in place,” the report reads.

Residents can call Via Mobility Services at 303-444-3034 for more information about the service.

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