On Wednesday, November 7th at 10:00 A.M., the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) held a ribbon cutting event at Court Square for new benches that have been installed throughout the City of Springfield. This project was made possible for the community due to the generous support from AARP. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, PVTA Administrator Sandra Sheehan, and Linda Fitzgerald from AARP cut the ribbon.
The locations of these new benches were selected using input from both community advisors and city staff. These new benches, funded through the AARP 2018 Community Challenge Grant, were the result of a close partnership between PVTA, the City of Springfield, and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts’ Age-Friendly Cities Project.
“This project is just one more way in which PVTA fulfills its commitment to ensuring that riders of all ages and abilities can use public transit to get where they need to go” said PVTA Administrator, Sandra E. Sheehan.
PVTA was one of 129 awardees of these AARP “quick action” grants, helping communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
Over the years at public hearings, meetings, and community workshops, the need for additional benches has been cited as a key area of concern, especially from seniors and people with mobility impairments who are in particular need of places to rest while waiting for the next bus. This $10,000 grant award responds directly to this desire expressed by the public and also helped PVTA to generate a longer-term list of stop locations for future improvements.
About the PVTA
The PVTA is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts with 189 buses, 150 vans and 24 participating member communities. Additional information about the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority may be found at www.pvta.com or by calling 1-877-779-7882.
