Maynard Council on Aging Van
To schedule, call 978-897-1032 |
The COA van runs from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM and provides low-cost transportation to local hospitals, doctors, dentists, other health care providers, including eye care, pharmacies, therapy, banks, post office and grooming, and to the Senior Center in Clock Tower Place, and to the Drop-In Center at the Congregational Church.
We also provide on scheduled days transportation to Stop & Shop in Acton, and Star Market in Stow. Regular monthly trips are made to Kmart or Wal-Mart or Solomon Pond Mall as available. Additional transportation services may be provided, including trips to Christmas Tree Shop. Call the Van Dispatcher for more information.
Arrangements must be made one day in advance, before 1:30 PM. For Monday transportation call on Thursday before 1:30 PM (It is best to call several days in advance) Call well in advance regarding the monthly trips. A donation of $1 is requested. each time you get on the van.
Van Guidelines
IF THE MAYNARD SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER (SNOW, ICE, ETC.) AND ON TOWN HOLIDAYS, THE VAN DOES NOT RUN.
We ask for civility when communicating with us.
THE REGULAR VAN HOURS ARE: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Requests for transportation must be called in to the COA office at least one day in advance. Medical emergencies are the exception and medical runs are the first priority. For return rides you must call the office BEFORE 1:25 PM as the office closes at 1:30 PM. If for any reason you do not need a return ride please let the office know by 1:30 PM, or when you call to schedule your ride.
Schedule runs are handled through the COA Office only. Do not call the van driver’s cell phone number. To schedule the van, call the COA office at 978-897-1032 from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. When the office is closed there is a 24/7 answering machine and messages will be reviewed at 9:00 AM the next business day. When leaving a message on the answering machine, remember: Name, telephone number, address, where you want to go, and the time of your appointment. PLEASE SPEAK SLOWLY.
Residents of Maynard, 60 years of age or older, and handicapped persons of any age, may use the van. If the rider is handicapped in any way, please mention this when scheduling the pickup so any accommodations may be made in advance. We have an ADA compliant van (with wheelchair lift) partially funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Construction.
Anyone with weekly appointments (same time, same day) must arrange for a standing pickup. If you decide not to go you MUST notify the COA office.
Pickups for the Eating Together Program van from 10:15 to 10:45 daily. Lunch: 11:30 AM.
The van will pick up on the hour for out of town runs and on the half hour for in town runs.
Pickups may begin 15 minutes before the schedule time to accommodate more than one passenger. The Van will wait no longer than 5 minutes for a passenger to emerge at which time the driver will call the office to report the “no show” and leave for the next pickup. On very busy days the van can get behind schedule.
Scheduled Shopping Trips are as follows:
· Thursday at 12:30 – Stop & Shop, Acton
· Friday at 10:30 – Stop & Shop
· Friday 12:30 - Shaw’s Market, Stow
One hour is allowed for shopping. Shoppers should call at least one day in advance to schedule their shopping times.
Occasional trips to KMart , Roche Brothers, Walmart, Solomon Pond Mal, Christmas Tree Shops .Call office for details.
As of February 1, 1994, it is a mandatory law in Massachusetts that passengers are required to use seatbelts. Van drivers have the authority to insist that seatbelts be worn or a passenger not ride in the van. If there is a medical reason why a passenger cannot use a seatbelt, there must be letter from his/her physician.
Passengers are required to keep buckled in their seats while the van is in motion.
NO profane or abusive language is allowed.
NO tipping is allowed.
NO smoking in the van.
The driver shall:
· Be in complete charge of the van.
· Contact the COA office several times daily, for schedule changes and to get the schedule for the next day.
· Keep the van in clean condition daily.
· Take timely note of any mechanical/maintenance problems and promptly report them to the Dispatcher/Clerk.
· Help passengers on and off the van if necessary and/or requested.
· Insure that only scheduled riders are allowed on the van.
· Help insure compliance with the guidelines.
The driver shall use his/her discretion when an unscheduled passenger request transportation and shall inform the office of any additional passengers.
Copies of the guidelines are available from the driver and the COA office.
The van guidelines shall be reviewed yearly (or as often as necessary).
ALL COMPLAINTS concerning service must be sent in writing to the COA office, to the personal attention of the Director. Please include your address and telephone number. THE DIRECTOR WILL RESPOND TO YOU. Positive comments to improve service would be welcomed.
The Maynard Council on Aging Van is partially funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Construction. Repairs are funded by the Maynard Senior Citizens Club, a private organization. These Guidelines are prepared with the assistance of a Van Guidelines Advisory Committee of the COA.
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