Office for the Aging Rolls Out Two New Buses
to Serve Dutchess County Seniors
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro joined bus drivers last week from the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) as they became familiar with the features of two new buses which will be used to improve access to the county’s Senior Nutrition Program. The new vehicles are capable of carrying up to 18 passengers and include two wheelchair-accessible seats. They replace smaller vans which did not include wheelchair lifts and were nearing the end of their useful life.
The new buses, purchased and funded by Dutchess County, will be part of a fleet of four OFA buses and five vans. They will go into service in mid-March and replace two vehicles that provided approximately 6,500 trips for seniors last year and delivered approximately 7,200 home-delivered meals to isolated, homebound county residents. In 2015, the Office for the Aging delivered a total of 114,262 home-delivered meals to 600 homebound residents and 39,728 congregate meals at Senior Friendship Centers and senior picnics.
“Many Dutchess County seniors often list transportation as their top priority, and I’m happy these new buses will help our Office for the Aging continue to address that concern,” said County Legislature John M. Thomes, chairman of the Family and Human Services Committee. “The Dutchess County Legislature takes seriously its commitment to our residents, and these two buses are the latest example of our response to seniors’ needs.”
“Dutchess County’s Office for the Aging offers vital services and programs for senior citizens throughout the county. These buses will continue the office’s mission of enhancing seniors’ live – both transporting as many residents as possible to Senior Friendship Centers for camaraderie and activities, and delivering nutritious meals to seniors who are unable to leave their homes,” County Legislator Marge Horton said. “I’m happy my fellow legislators and I were able to provide the funding for these buses and help OFA staff members continue their important work.”