A-LIFT (Adams County Community Transit) continues to meet and exceed client service goals as it drives into a ninth year of providing free transportation in Adams County for individuals with mobility impairments or older adults who are 60 years of age and over.
Most rides are provided on wheelchair-equipped buses, with trips offered to the grocery store, congregate meal sites, medical and dental appointments, or adult day programs. Low-income older adults, who are frail, isolated or members of a minority population are encouraged to use A-LIFT.
The transportation comes at no charge to the rider, although a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged to defray rising costs of service. A-LIFT will not deny a client because of failure to contribute to all or part of the cost of any ride.
"If I didn't have A-LIFT, it would be hard on me," said Greg, an A-LIFT client. "I would have to take a cab and I couldn't do that for long."
Last year, A-LIFT provided over 20,000 rides and since its inception in 2000 has delivered a total of 125,000 rides. Rides are provided to Adams County residents who live in Arvada, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, Thornton, Westminster, and unincorporated urban areas of Adams County.
Door-to-door service and assistance with packages and bags from caring and knowledgeable drivers sets A-LIFT apart from some other transportation services.
Rides must be prearranged and are available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. To schedule a ride, contact A-LIFT at (303) 235-6972/74. At least two to three working days' advance notice is strongly recommended in making an appointment, although rides can be scheduled two weeks in advance.
"A-LIFT connects older adults and individuals with disabilities to their community and activities that augment quality of life, breaking a pattern of isolation caused by a lack of transportation," said Lisa Ranalli, chairperson of A-LIFT. "Parting with your car keys should not translate into surrendering your independence."
Interest in A-LIFT is growing, which is evident through a 2007 customer satisfaction survey mailed to 436 clients last December that earned a 38 percent response rate, higher than a typical response rate of 25 to 30 percent for comparable surveys of older adults. And 56 clients reported as using A-LIFT for the first time in the past year.
Preliminary reports gathered from this survey revealed that 93 percent of the 165 clients who responded are satisfied with the overall service quality, which includes both calling to schedule a ride and utilizing the transportation.
"We appreciate the service so much and don't know what we would do with out," said Milt and Betty, both A-LIFT clients.
A-LIFT offers services through funding from the federal Older Americans Act as administered by the Denver Regional Council of Governments, as well as other sources. A-LIFT accepts contributions from riders. Donation envelopes are available from drivers or in the mail. A suggested donation is $5. Call 303-235-6972/74 to schedule a ride or receive more information.