Starting as a program in 2022 to help seniors 60 and over in Waukegan Township receive free transportation on the weekends, that opportunity is now available to those 55 and over seven days a week.
Township Supervisor Marc Jones said initially the program was funded with a $20,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Aging. The terms of the award limited its use to people 60 and over, and only on weekends.
“When the grant funds ran out, we decided to open it seven days a week and change the age to 55,” he said. “All of our senior programs are for people 55 or better. We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our resources for our seniors.”
Waukegan Township residents 55 and over can schedule transportation anywhere within a 10-mile radius of their home with a phone call to the Patricia A. Jones Center for seniors during the time the facility is open.
“Seniors call the (Jones Center) office and tell the staff where they want to go,” Jones said. “It may be to go to and from church, or the grocery store, or a medical appointment, or to visit a relative.”
Expanding the service to operate on a daily basis provides a number of benefits. Jones said often medical appointments are scheduled during the week, and supermarkets are less crowded on weekdays.
Transportation is provided by a ride-share service or a van. It may be the township’s vehicle or a private transportation service. Jones said some of the participants tell him they prefer the van to the ride-share because there is better service.
“A majority of the participants utilize a cane, walker or wheelchair,” he said. “The shuttle drivers seem to give a more personal touch, and help them get in and out.”
In 2023, Jones said the senior transportation program was recognized as the innovative senior program of the year by the Township Officials of Illinois organization.
