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In a process that takes two years, Lamorinda Senior Transportation was approved to apply for a federal grant that would pay for a replacement Spirit van. Serving many fragile seniors, Program Coordinator Mary Bruns explains that they are able to assist passengers in their 80's and 90's, with one passenger that's 100.

The existing van is rapidly aging, "We put on about 1,000 miles a month picking up and dropping off seniors," said Bruns. The ridership has continued to grow over the years, almost doubling since 2006.

Getting the new van at a deep discount helped City Council members quickly approve the application. "The Federal Government pays for 88.53% of the cost of the van so we only have to pay 11.47%. The expected cost to the City of Lafayette is expected to be $10,000 or less," said Bruns in a staff report.

The service is meant to assist seniors live independently in their homes for as long as possible, by providing rides for grocery shopping, errands, doctor appointments and more. Drivers also help bring packages from the van to the house with their "door through door" service. In addition, there's a regular lunch bunch service to the Senior Center in Walnut Creek that offers lunch, socialization and round trip transportation. Both the existing van and the replacement model have a wheelchair lift. For more information or to schedule a ride on the Spirit van call (925) 283-3534.