Sudbury Council on Aging urges Select Board to fully fund senior rides

SUDBURY -- October 17, 2022, Sudbury Council on Aging votes unanimously to seek permanent town funding for senior transportation. Members approved a motion by Carmine Gentile asking the Select Board to "plan to fully fund the transportation program services from town revenue" rather than continue relying on grants and twice-yearly appropriations. Liaison Bob Lieberman said the subsidized taxi, Uber and wheelchair-ride program is burning roughly $10,000 a month, with a single wheelchair ride through new provider Anex costing about $180. Director Deborah said roughly 81 percent of taxi users and 70 percent of Uber users are 60 or older. Resident Ralph pressed the council to "fight and fight and fight" for town dollars, contrasting transportation's modest cost with Sudbury's roughly $70 million school budget. The council also heard that foundation work on the new community center is underway and that concrete pour is expected within a month.