Mobility for Seniors

The Ventura City Council turned the tide Nov. 2 and introduced a plan that will provide a new freedom of movement for countless seniors, not only in this city but other Ventura County cities as well.

The council introduced a plan that, in conjunction with other cities’ agencies, the South Coast Area Transit board and the Ventura County Transportation Commission, would provide transit opportunities for seniors who have been neglected for many years.

Many thanks to each member of the council and all those involved in this historic step.

Advancing age inevitably takes a toll on the physical prowess of many a 70- or 80-year-old, and a bus stop three or four blocks away might as well be in Timbuktu. We laugh, cry, tell jokes, have fun talking with one another just like younger folks -- but the stamina is not there.

With the advent of the new minibus program envisioned by the city of Ventura, a whole new capability will open up for hundreds of seniors. Curb-to-curb service will provide transit to all malls (shop), paratransit (yuck), senior nutrition (eats), even entertainment (wow!) -- just like regular folks!

Maybe there will be glitches but everyone working together can resolve them.

ART KINNE, Ventura