A new transit service for seniors in Grand Traverse County called COAST, Commission on Aging Senior Transit begins on Monday.
The Bay Area Transportation Authority is working with the county’s commission on aging to provide free bus rides for seniors on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Eric Lingaur is with BATA.
“So one of the biggest challenges for seniors, especially in northern Michigan is finding reliable and affordable transportation to health and wellness appointments, just getting out and going to the doctor's office, getting to the grocery store, even social activities and things like that.”
35 percent of riders using the Bay Area Transportation Authority last year were seniors.
“The initial pilot will be for 90 days. We’re going to look at ridership, utilization, who's going where and things like that. Then the COA in partnership with us will determine the next steps for the future of the service.”
Lingaur said he expects the program to continue long term.