BEEKMAN - Town of Beekman Supervisor Daniel French announced Thursday that he would seek to reinstitute Dial-a-Ride service for town residents.  Dial-A-Ride is a curb-to-curb transportation service, designed to serve senior citizens and individuals who have a physical or mental disability which prevents them from using the regular LOOP buses.

Previously, the town had contracted with Dutchess County Mass Transit to provide Dial-a-Ride services two days a week in Beekman.    During the 2010 budget process this service was removed for the upcoming year. 

French suggested the town reinstitute the service at 50 percent of its former operating level, giving residents access to the service one day a week.

“I believe that during these tough times our elderly and disabled neighbors should not have to shoulder the burden of paying for expensive car service to get them to the doctor or the grocery store,” French said. “By reintroducing the service for one day a week, the town will still see savings over last year’s expense while enjoying the benefits from this important program.”

To be eligible for Dial-A-Ride service, an individual must be 60+ years of age or have a physical or mental disability.