Bentonville is launching a new transportation program that is designed to help senior citizens, the disabled and people with a low income.
People who qualify will be given 25 taxi coupons per month, worth $2 each. The coupons can be used with the NWA Taxi. It averages out to $600 in free cab rides a year.
According to Danielle Shasteen, with the city of Bentonville, funding for the program is coming from a $25,000 grant which was initiated by State Senator Kim Hendren.
The city felt it was necessary, because currently the only public transportation available to seniors is the bus, which creates a number of hurdles, from walking to the stop, putting up with the weather and not having the luxury to choose when you leave and return. Of course, cabs have always been an option as well, but many people just can't afford them without some sort of assistance.
"We feel like this is a little more personal," said Shasteen. "The taxi goes right up to the door, there are scheduled pick up times."
NWA Taxi delivers across Northwest Arkansas, everywhere from doctors offices, to grocery stores to churches.
The Benton County Senior Activity Center says the most important thing about the program is it keeps people active and independent. "They can visit people who live across town, socialize with people more than they are now," said Jerrie Hagar, of the center.
In order to see if you qualify for the taxi coupon program you can pick up an application at Community Development Building or go to the city's web site.
For more information on NWA Taxi you can reach them at 479-636-TAXI.
People who qualify will be given 25 taxi coupons per month, worth $2 each. The coupons can be used with the NWA Taxi. It averages out to $600 in free cab rides a year.
According to Danielle Shasteen, with the city of Bentonville, funding for the program is coming from a $25,000 grant which was initiated by State Senator Kim Hendren.
The city felt it was necessary, because currently the only public transportation available to seniors is the bus, which creates a number of hurdles, from walking to the stop, putting up with the weather and not having the luxury to choose when you leave and return. Of course, cabs have always been an option as well, but many people just can't afford them without some sort of assistance.
"We feel like this is a little more personal," said Shasteen. "The taxi goes right up to the door, there are scheduled pick up times."
NWA Taxi delivers across Northwest Arkansas, everywhere from doctors offices, to grocery stores to churches.
The Benton County Senior Activity Center says the most important thing about the program is it keeps people active and independent. "They can visit people who live across town, socialize with people more than they are now," said Jerrie Hagar, of the center.
In order to see if you qualify for the taxi coupon program you can pick up an application at Community Development Building or go to the city's web site.
For more information on NWA Taxi you can reach them at 479-636-TAXI.
