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United States
Seniors trade their cars for rides
Mis en ligne le 23/01/2006
The 65-plus population accounts for more accidents per miles driven than any group other than teenagers. That is why many programs, all over the country, such as the Portland area's Independent Transportation Network are launched. Elderly people trade in their cars and the value is booked into an account from which they can draw to receive rides.
Launched a decade ago, the Portland area's Independent Transportation Network provided 15,200 rides to senior citizens last year with no taxpayer money for operations. The concept is simple. You trade your car for rides. It is aimed, in part, at getting elderly motorists off the road when they can no longer drive safely. The program was the brainchild of a mother whose son was run over by an old man. The Portland idea is catching on. This year, pilot programs are being launched in Santa Monica, Calif., Orlando, Fla., Charleston, S.C., and the Trenton, N.J., area. Sen. Susan Collins (news, bio, voting record), R-Maine, plans to propose a five-year, $25 million federal grant program to take the idea nationwide. Elderly people trade in their cars and the value is booked into an account from which they can draw to receive rides. Family members and friends also can add to the account by donating cars or cash, or their time as volunteers. Taxpayers win because the program operates with volunteers and donations. Senior citizens win because they get to ride in a regular car, not a taxi or a bus. And the car comes when they want it. No waiting at cold, icy bus stops. Communities that help to recruit volunteers are given credits for rides for their elderly people. Doctors, supermarkets and other businesses frequented by senior citizens get into the act by providing small donations for each ride. An annual campaign helps to meet the $250,000 budget. The 65-plus population accounts for more accidents per miles driven than any group other than teenagers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. And their numbers will swell as the nation's 78 million baby boomers reach their golden years. (Associated Press, 16/01/06 : "Maine Elderly Ride Program Flourishes")
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