GREENFIELD — Transportation Agency for Monterey County Board of Directors recently approved Measure X Senior and Disabled Transportation Program Cycle 4 grants, including funding for the City of Greenfield and several countywide service providers aimed at expanding mobility for seniors, veterans and residents with visual impairments.
Only five projects received funding in this cycle, with 10 applications competing for $1.86 million in available Measure X dollars. Applicants requested a combined $5.76 million, exceeding available funding by $3.9 million and making Cycle 4 the most competitive round to date, according to TAMC.
After board discussion and a presentation on the selection process at their May meeting, directors approved a recommendation from the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee awarding funds across five transportation-focused programs intended to expand access and independence for older adults and people with disabilities.
The City of Greenfield will receive $50,244 for its Senior and Disabled Transportation Voucher Program. The city plans to implement a locally administered voucher system allowing seniors to access door-to-door transportation through Independent Transportation Network (ITN) Monterey County.
In other awards, ITN Monterey County received the largest amount at $1,116,300 for its “Driving Connections: Enhancing Dignified Mobility for Seniors and Visually Impaired Adults” program. The initiative provides 24/7 transportation for seniors and visually impaired adults, with a focus on underserved and rural communities. It also continues expansion of the organization’s NorthLine and ValleyLine programs.
Alliance on Aging was awarded $526,328 for its Senior Transportation Coordination program, which provides outreach and training for seniors and service providers, helps residents navigate Monterey-Salinas Transit’s Better Bus Network, coordinates senior field trips and assists with enrollment in specialized transportation services. The program also supports growth of ITN’s NorthLine and ValleyLine services.
The Veterans Transition Center received $67,128 for its RIDES program, which will provide transportation for senior and disabled veterans living at the center through the purchase of a rear-entry sport utility vehicle to improve mobility access.
Lastly, the Blind & Visually Impaired Center was awarded $100,000 for its Travel Skills Training program. The funding will support orientation and mobility training for seniors and individuals with vision loss, including two specialists who will provide individualized, small-group and in-home travel instruction.
TAMC officials said the awards are intended to strengthen transportation independence and improve access to essential services, particularly for residents facing mobility barriers across Monterey County.
