From the left: Office for the Aging Director Lise-Anne Deoul, Legislature Chairman Robert A. Doherty, Transportation Director Ruthann Hayden, District 4 Legislator Nick Salomone, Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm, District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez, driver Barbara Pirog, driver David Dibble and Nutrition Coordinator Jane Bozan.
Kauneonga Lake, NY — Sullivan County officials happily announce that the free Senior Shopping Bus service is resuming full weekday runs starting today, September 11.
“This means that at least once a week, residents over 60 from each part of the County can access our free shopping bus services to run their errands in Monticello,” said Office for the Aging Director Lise-Anne Deoul at a press conference held Friday at the Bethel Senior Center in Kauneonga Lake. “Our mission at the Office for the Aging is to provide support for individuals aging in place, and our shopping bus is a big part of that.”
“This bus behind me is solid evidence that this Legislature cares deeply about the people of Sullivan County, especially our seniors,” affirmed Legislature Chairman Robert A. Doherty, speaking in front of the buses to be used. “Our Senior Shopping Bus, like our separate Move Sullivan public transportation, doesn’t charge a fee to ride. The County pays for it all, thanks to a Legislature that is forward-thinking and focused on spending taxpayers’ dollars where they will do the most good.”
“I am very excited for this new start, as is our staff,” stated Transportation Director Ruthann Hayden. “We will serve every part of the County over various days of the week, thanks to a team of friendly drivers ready to take people to Walmart, Shoprite and Aldi’s in Monticello, then get them back home. Every person also gets two extra stops, which could be for prescriptions, to pick up their mail, go to the bank, etc., so long as they’re not lengthy transactions.”
“It’s so nice to see the program going back to five days a week,” stated District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez. “This can help you get from your home to shopping without having to worry about parking, getting gas or driving in tough conditions.”
“Five-days-a-week bus service for our seniors is going to help us immensely,” noted Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm, in whose township the service begins on the 11th. “I’d also like to thank the bus drivers that are here. What they carry with them every day is such a great responsibility, and we are grateful for what they do.”
“Our bus services are a valuable connection to work, shopping and the doctors. It’s a real lifeline for many people in Sullivan County, and I brag about it wherever I go,” added District 4 Legislator Nick Salomone. “I’m very proud to be part of a Legislature and a County government that truly cares about this County.”
The service is open at no charge to all Sullivan County residents 60 or older. Buses carry up to 14 people, are fully accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility devices, and run door-to-door in these locations on these days:
- MONDAYS:
- Town of Bethel - Smallwood, Cochecton, Bethel Senior Housing and White Lake
- Town of Neversink - Neversink, Grahamsville, Foxcroft Village
- TUESDAYS:
- Town of Fallsburg - Woodridge, Mountaindale & South Fallsburg
- Town of Rockland - Livingston Manor & Roscoe.
- WEDNESDAYS:
- Town of Liberty – Liberty, Golden Park, Barkley Gardens & White Sulphur Springs
- Town of Mamakating - Summitville, Wurtsboro & Bloomingburg
- THURSDAYS:
- Towns of Tusten, Highland and Lumberland - Narrowsburg, Eldred, Barryville, Glen Spey, and surrounding areas
- Town of Thompson - Monticello, Mongaup Valley
- FRIDAYS:
- Towns of Delaware, Fremont and Callicoon – Fremont Center, Callicoon, Hankins, Jeffersonville, etc.
- Liberty Village & Town of Fallsburg- Liberty Village Apts., Hurleyville, Loch Sheldrake & Kiamesha Lake
Two hours are allotted to shop at Walmart, Shoprite and Aldi’s in Monticello, plus up to two extra stops per passenger for short transactions at other businesses.
Reservations must be made no later than noon the previous business day at 845-807-0244.
For more information, contact the Office for the Aging at 845-807-0241 or the Transportation Department at 845-807-0180, or visit www.sullivanny.us/departments/transportation.