(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

COVID-19 Response

Upgrade added to seniors’ transport service in response to COVID-19

Mar 26, 2020 | 1:00 PM

The group that helps provide rides in Prince Albert for seniors as well as paratransit for people with disabilities is doing more to help people avoid exposure to the virus.

The people who use the two services provided by the Prince Albert Community Services Centre (CSC) can now place grocery and pharmacy orders from home. CEO Bill Powalinsky said the drivers will gladly help pick up the orders and deliver them.

“Knowing that most pharmacies do deliver, but there may be the case when people need it fairly quickly,” he said.

People who wish to use the services are encouraged to call the Community Services Centre to register. Powalinsky explained the standard fare rates will still apply, and attendants are welcome.

“Normally a passenger can take an attendant with them so if they wanted to send the person that would normally be their attendant to the grocery store to do the shopping and the pick up and the payment, that works too,” he said.

BDO Debt Solutions

Deck the Halls Without Breaking the Bank: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Holiday

7h ago

RPCN Artist

'Felt like a movie': Chris Chipak making waves in the art world

7h ago

MMA

"The Lion" roars in New Brunswick

7h ago

The CSC drivers take a short break for a photo. (Submitted photo/ Bill Powalinsky)

Powalinsky said overall ridership has dropped in the past week but he added the Community Service Centre will continue providing services under the essential services guidelines.

“It’s times like these that the community pulls together and we do what we can to help out,” Paratransit driver Tim Gelysteen said.

The Seniors Transportation service is funded in part by the City of Prince Albert, the “Two Miles for Mary” radio-thon and fare revenue with the standard flat rate of $5 per trip one way.

Access Transit is funded mostly by the City of Prince Albert, with the provincial government providing funding and fare revenue with the standard fare being $2.50 per trip.

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell