Programs

The Town of Preston provides FREE transportation services to Preston residents who are 60 years of age and older.  Medical transportation is permitted within a 25 mile radius of the town.  A handicapped accessible vehicle is also available for elderly persons requiring use of adaptive devices such as wheelchairs and/or scooters .

Routine shopping trips are scheduled on Wednesday’s to the Big Y and Walmart shopping areas and on Friday’s to Marcus Plaza.  With prior authorization, side trips to banks, pharmacies, libraries, etc. may  be included in the  normal schedule.

Persons interested in utilizing the transportation service must register in advance by telephoning the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 extension 6.

Medical Transportation for Senior/Disabled Individuals:

The Town of Preston participates in  a program which is provided through the Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium, Inc.  ECTC is a private  nonprofit agency that brokers and provides transit services for persons of low income, seniors, and persons with disabilities.  Medical Transportation and Caregiver Mileage programs are for seniors 60+ and persons with disabilities who are unable to drive and need transportation to a medical appointment that is occurring outside the hours or area that the town funded transportation services operates.

To participate in the Medical Transportation Program, individuals must complete a Eligibility Form and pay an annual enrollment fee of $24.00. (July thru June).   Registered participants who cannot have their needs met by existing services will be provided a limited number of one-way trips per grant year.  No fare is charged to participate, but a $24.00 enrollment fee is required.  ECTC will arrange the medical transportation for eligible participants.  Each trip request will be reviewed to determine if it can be met by existing transportation services.  If so, ECTC will refer the client to the appropriate services.

Transportation may be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week provided sufficient notice is given by the client.  Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance.  For additional information or to  request an Eligibility Form, please call the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-51 extension 6.

CAREGIVER MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT:

This program is for persons unable to drive.  The driver and rider must complete the “Request for Mileage Reimbursement” form.  If you are using the Caregiver Reimbursement Program only, there is NO enrollment fee assessed.  The program is designed for seniors 60+ and persons with disabilities.

Mileage will be calculated by ECTC based on the shortest distance.  Caregivers are not reimbursed for mileage from their home to the client’s.  Completed forms must include the appointment date, start address, destination address, and must be signed and dated by client and driver after last trip entered.  For additional information concerning this service, please contact the Senior Affairs Office at 860-887-5581 ext. 6.

Free Blood Pressure Screenings are conducted on the second Tuesday of each month from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park Housing.  To participate in this free service, visitors are requested to enter the Lincoln Park Housing Community Building, 11 Lincoln Park Road Extension.  For additional information concerning the program, please call 860-887-5581 ext. 6.