Hitchin’ a ride

WRITTEN BY HANK GARFIELD

Bangor can be a tough town to get a taxi in.

It can be a challenging place to get around in, period, if you’re an older adult without access to a car.

Many people give up driving as they age for a variety of reasons, health-related or otherwise. Many no longer need a car in their daily lives but still need to get out to appointments, stores, and social events. 

Several services are available in the greater Bangor area for those who live in their homes but no longer drive. It may take some planning and a few phone calls to get where you need to go, but it’s usually possible, within limits. 

The Community Connector bus system offers half-price fares to all area residents 60 and older. Half-price fare cards can be obtained at the Bangor, Brewer, and Old Town city halls, and at the town offices in Hampden, Orono, and Veazie, with a photo ID as proof of identity.

In addition, half-price fares are available to persons with a Medicare card, on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), or with a valid ADA Paratransit ID card.

The Community Connector provides curb-to-curb ADA Paratransit transport anywhere within three quarters of a mile of its fixed-route bus system. Individuals interested in using this service must apply and be found eligible, according to guidelines established by the Federal Transit Association. Fares are currently $3 one-way and $6 round trip, double the regular price of a fixed-route ride. Applications are available on the Community Connector page of the Bangor City website.

Unfortunately, the Community Connector has recently suspended Saturday service, and its range is limited to the communities along its routes. Those who live outside this area must find another way to get around.

The Eastern Area Agency on Aging serves area residents 50 and older. 

“Transportation isn’t one of our internal focuses,” said Communication and Development Director Christopher Hill. “A lot of what we do is connect folks to other industry leaders that can better serve them. We have resource specialists, almost like case workers, but not exactly, who take all the information down and do their best to connect them with transportation resources.”

Primarily, EAAA contracts with Penquis, which serves Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, and Downeast Community Partners, which serves Washington and Hancock counties.

Penquis Lynx provides a variety of transportation services that are available not only to seniors but to the general public, according to Leeann Stackpole, Transportation Analysis Manager. 

“We have a variety of funding sources that help pay the fares for seniors and people with self-declared disabilities,” Stackpole said. 

Every town in the two counties is served at least one day per week. Fees, hours, and days of service depend on where a person lives and where they are traveling. Three days’ advance notice is required to schedule a trip.

For more personalized transportation service, Visiting Angels, a national organization with a franchise in Bangor, offers a variety of options.

“We provide companion services, light housekeeping, in-home care, meal preparation, and also rides,” said owner and director Alecea Pineo. “It’s up to them where they want to go, to a doctor’s appointment or grocery shopping, or just down to the waterfront to get out of the house. There are no rules.”

Visiting Angels provides overall care tailored to each person’s needs. An initial consultation is required, usually at the client’s home. 

“For me to come out and meet with a potential client, there’s no charge,” Pineo said. 

“We sometimes use taxis, if one’s available,” Pineo said. “But with the help of our caregivers, we help people get to their destination, and we’re happy to accompany them anyplace they desire to go.”

For more information, contact:

Bangor Community Connector: (207) 992-4670

Penquis Transportation: (207) 974-2420

Downeast Community Partners: (800) 834-4378

Visiting Angels: (207) 573-1861