#USA #San Mateo #Peninsula Family Service #Got Wheels

Peninsula Family Service's Got Wheels! Program Expansion

In a significant development for older adults in San Mateo County, Peninsula Family Service (PFS) is excited to announce the expansion of its Got Wheels! transportation program. Launched in 2019, this initiative aimed to offer affordable and reliable transportation solutions to seniors is now extending its services to additional cities as of December 1, 2024.

The Got Wheels! program is set to cover a wider range of locations, including Daly City, Broadmoor, Colma, Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Foster City, East Palo Alto, Atherton, Menlo Park, Woodside, Portola Valley, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. This expansion means increased accessibility for older adults who are at least 70 years old or who have disabilities, enhancing their mobility and connection to the community.

Members of the program can enjoy up to six one-way rides each month for a nominal fee of $5, plus an optional tip. These rides cater specifically to within San Mateo County, allowing seniors to attend essential events, appointments, or social activities. Partnering with Serra Yellow Cab, the Got Wheels! program ensures that riders receive on-demand curb-to-curb service, complete with wheelchair-accessible vehicles, emphasizing comfort and ease of travel.

According to one member of the service since 2021, “Drivers are friendly and courteous. I feel safe on each ride.” Such feedback underscores the quality of service that the program aims to maintain while enhancing the lives of its users.

The need for such a program is increasingly critical as many older adults find themselves isolated due to mobility issues, especially once they can no longer drive. Research indicates that loneliness has a detrimental impact on both the emotional and physical well-being of seniors. Previously, public transport options often fell short for older citizens, characterized by inaccessible stops and insufficient schedules.

As another satisfied member expressed, “Got Wheels! is a godsend, I don't know how I would manage to get to my exercise and other classes without it.” This highlights the pivotal role that the program plays in not just providing transportation but in fostering community connections and ensuring that seniors can maintain their social lives and independence.

Funding for this initiative comes from San Mateo County's Measure K, a county-wide half-cent sales tax that supports essential services. This funding outlet is crucial in sustaining local programs like Got Wheels! that directly contribute to improving the quality of life for residents. Charles Hansen, Chief Program Officer at PFS, mentioned, “We are elated to share the news about the expansion of our successful program, which has made transportation more accessible for older residents from South County to North County. We deeply appreciate the generous support from the County and our funders.”

For older adults or their caregivers interested in enrolling in the Got Wheels! program, detailed information is available on the Peninsula Family Service website.

PFS continues to strengthen the community through a variety of initiatives aimed at empowering children, families, and older individuals, helping them to realize their potential and lead fulfilling lives. They invite those in need to explore their services online and become part of a transformative movement supporting the older adult population of San Mateo County.