BEVERLY — It's not quite a free ride, but for seniors who need to get to their doctor's appointments, the Beverly Council on Aging's new taxi service is pretty darn close.
Launched in June, the discount taxi service came in handy for Irene Cleveland, 81, when she had hip surgery and could no longer drive.
"I have just one son in Salem that could take me places," she said. He was also taking care of his mother-in-law, and would have had to take time off of work to bring her to her appointments.
She saw a brochure about the service at her senior apartment complex on Bridge Street, and gave them a call: "It was just like a limousine service," she said, laughing. Except at $2.50 each way, it was quite a bit cheaper.
Thanks to a $7,500 grant from the North Shore and Cape Ann Community Health Networks, the Senior Center began contracting rides with Mass Tran, a private transportation company that picks people up at their house, and brings them directly to where they need to go.
The grant runs out in December, but Senior Center Assistant Director Laurie Grant said they're looking for funding from local hospitals to continue the program and expand the service area.
Currently, the taxis will pick up anyone in Beverly, and bring them to appointments in Beverly, Salem, Peabody, Danvers, Hamilton and Wenham. She'd like to add Gloucester, Manchester, Burlington and Boston to the list.
"This is expanding our ability to bring those that don't drive to their out of town medical appointments," Grant said.
So far, 60 people have signed up in the last three months, and they've provided more than 100 rides.
The discount taxi is restricted to those at least 60 years old or who have a disability and who are income-eligible.
The service runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is only for medical purposes, and requires at least a day's notice by calling Elaine Heredeen at 978-921-6017.
The Senior Center still has a free van that will bring people to places in Beverly, like the grocery store as well as medical appointments, but the difference is the taxi service gives rides out of the city, and runs on time.
"It was very punctual," said Eddie Glichouse, 83. He used it a couple of weeks ago to go to a doctor's appointment in Peabody.
"On a scale of one to 10, I would give it a 15," he said. "The fellow picked me up right on time. I would not hesitate to use it again if I ever had to."
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