Mayor Grebien, Congressman Cicilline Welcome Senior Transport Shuttle to Fleet

PAWTUCKET – Monday, Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien and Congressman David Cicilline
joined seniors at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center in Pawtucket to welcome the new
Senior Transport Shuttle to the city’s fleet.

Earlier this year, Congressman David Cicilline was able to procure a surplus
sixteen-passenger that was being retired from service from the Rhode Island Public
Transit Authority (RIPTA) transportation fleet, for use by the Leon Mathieu Senior
Center, Pawtucket Division of Senior Services. «I want to thank the Congressman for
procuring this van for the City and the older residents of Pawtucket that it will
serve,» said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. «The Congressman’s advocacy was the key factor
in the City being able to continue to provide excellent services to our seniors,»
stated the Mayor.

«The help from the Congressman in obtaining the shuttle came at a critical time when
the Senior Center was without a back-up vehicle,» said Mary Lou Moran, Director of
the Senior Center. «The Senior Center operates two senior shuttles and with this
acquisition we have the assurance of having a complete fleet. Being able to provide
comprehensive transportation services for the older adults of Pawtucket has enabled
individuals to age in the community without losing their independence,» continued
Moran.

«I am delighted that the Leon Mathieu Senior Center received this new shuttle van to
help seniors get around the community,» said Congressman Cicilline, who advocated
directly with Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority on behalf of the senior
center. «So many of our seniors rely on transportation through our senior centers to
perform basic tasks, like going the grocery shopping or attending doctor’s
appointment, and the Leon Mathieu Senior Center has a long track-record of proving
safe and reliable transportation.»

Transportation services are available to Pawtucket residents age 55 and older on the
City’s two Senior Vans. Transportation is scheduled to a variety of locations
including the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, hairdresser/barber and of course the
Senior Center. In addition to these core services weekly and monthly special trips
are offered to department stores, area restaurants as part of the lunch club,
statewide cultural & recreational attractions, as well as to the Department of Motor
Vehicles for State identification cards.

This service is available to those who do not have means of transportation to ensure
that isolation does not occur and that individuals can remain active in the
community. For more information, contact the Leon Mathieu Senior Center by calling
401-728-7582.