Introducing the Mountain Town Connector!!!
The wheels are in motion for Neighborhood Connections to launch our three year, community-supported transportation program. The pilot project features a brand-new, wheelchair-accessible, AWD Ford Transit van!
The program was designed based on our rural location, which puts our community members at the outer edge of existing transportation resources, making public transportation largely inaccessible. Our service offers on-demand scheduling - as well as flexible fixed routes - and group transportation, all at no cost.
Rider Criteria
There is no age or income criteria to catch a ride on the Mountain Town Connector, and while medical rides are prioritized, our ride categories include, but are not limited to:
Medical and other essential appointments
Shopping for food and other necessities
Addressing unexpected transportation hardships
Social and recreational outings
Access to Neighborhood Connections and community programming
Door-Through-Door Service
One of the unique features of the program is the available door-through-door service. Upon request, drivers will accompany a rider into their appointment or activity, assisting and advocating. As an added measure, social work and advocacy services are also available through our staff case managers.
Volunteer Drivers
Buddy Stevens, our Transportation Coordinator, drives the Mountain Town Connector Tuesday through Thursday, while we fulfill additional requests with dedicated volunteer drivers. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, please call us at 802.824.4343!
Thanks to our Funders!
Our micro-transit program is built on community support and partnership. Our largest funder, the Holt Fund, awarded NC a three-year grant, enabling us to not only launch the initiative, but give us time to build a sustainable program.
We also want to recognize the Thomas Thompson Trust for their generous support in the purchase of the van.
Additionally, three key community partner organizations have also been financially supportive. Mountain Valley Health Council generously donated funds for the van purchase and first-year operations. The Windham Foundation gave us monies toward operations. And last, but not least, Just Neighbors is funding a portion of the salary for our part-time Transportation Coordinator.
The program was designed based on our rural location, which puts our community members at the outer edge of existing transportation resources, making public transportation largely inaccessible. Our service offers on-demand scheduling - as well as flexible fixed routes - and group transportation, all at no cost.
Rider Criteria
There is no age or income criteria to catch a ride on the Mountain Town Connector, and while medical rides are prioritized, our ride categories include, but are not limited to:
Medical and other essential appointments
Shopping for food and other necessities
Addressing unexpected transportation hardships
Social and recreational outings
Access to Neighborhood Connections and community programming
Door-Through-Door Service
One of the unique features of the program is the available door-through-door service. Upon request, drivers will accompany a rider into their appointment or activity, assisting and advocating. As an added measure, social work and advocacy services are also available through our staff case managers.
Volunteer Drivers
Buddy Stevens, our Transportation Coordinator, drives the Mountain Town Connector Tuesday through Thursday, while we fulfill additional requests with dedicated volunteer drivers. If you are interested in being a volunteer driver, please call us at 802.824.4343!
Thanks to our Funders!
Our micro-transit program is built on community support and partnership. Our largest funder, the Holt Fund, awarded NC a three-year grant, enabling us to not only launch the initiative, but give us time to build a sustainable program.
We also want to recognize the Thomas Thompson Trust for their generous support in the purchase of the van.
Additionally, three key community partner organizations have also been financially supportive. Mountain Valley Health Council generously donated funds for the van purchase and first-year operations. The Windham Foundation gave us monies toward operations. And last, but not least, Just Neighbors is funding a portion of the salary for our part-time Transportation Coordinator.
Elisa Donato, Neighborhood Connection's Development Director, poses with the Mountain Town Connector.
Volunteer Drivers Wanted!We are looking for community-minded folks who are willing to provide rides to those who don't have access to a car. While Buddy Stevens, our Transportation Coordinator, drives our van three days a week, we hope to fill remaining requests with dedicated volunteer drivers.
You can transport folks in the van, or opt to use your personal vehicle. Interested? Call 802.824.4343 or email rides@neighborhoodconnectionsvt.org. |
Mountain Town Connector Open House a Huge Success!More than 30 folks turned out for the unveiling of the Mountain Town Connector, our community-supported transportation program.
With sweet goodies supplied by Mike & Tammy's, the crowd toured the van and was given a demonstration of the wheelchair lift and 
Rusty Davis, an NC Board Member, demonstrates the wheelchair lift, which is part of the Mountain Town Connector.
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