Maryville, Tenn. – For Blount County seniors who face transportation-access issues, finding ways to make essential trips for things like groceries, medical appointments and prescription refills can become a daunting prospect. 
Thanks to a new program announced this week by the Blount County Community Action Agency (BCCAA), a senior-friendly transportation service is close at hand.

Set to launch with its first rides in October 2013, SMiles, or “Senior Miles,” will provide door-through-door transportation for Blount residents who are age 60-plus, do not drive, are ambulatory and in need of reliable, safe rides for essential trips.

SMiles is not a form of public transportation. Instead, it is a membership program where seniors will be able to purchase a designated number of $6 round-trip rides in advance for a reasonable price, with an annual membership fee of $25.  

Family members and friends of seniors needing SMiles memberships can “gift” a membership or pre-pay for rides in advance for a loved one, in the form of a birthday, anniversary or holiday present.  

The program will rely on Blount County’s volunteers to provide its service.  These people will be recruited, screened and trained before being accepted as SMiles drivers. They will use their own vehicles to provide rides and can receive either gas reimbursement or IRS tax-deduction documentation, if preferred.  A Transportation Manager will supervise day-to-day operations of the program, which will be housed at Blount County Community Action Agency’s Office on Aging.

Senior riders who are SMiles members will be able to schedule transportation with three days’ advance notice.  

One key advantage of the program:  SMiles drivers who provide transportation will wait with the riders at appointments or when grocery shopping so that the senior rider can be taken immediately home, and not have to call ahead and wait for the return trip home.

“SMiles is designed to be senior-friendly and enhance quality of life,” said Joani Shaver, who oversees the SMiles program through BCCAA’s Office on Aging.  “Seniors often feel stranded, isolated or trapped as they struggle to get where they need to go. Through SMiles, seniors will gain access to an affordable and convenient mode of transportation that’s better able to meet their needs.”  

SMiles is actively recruiting volunteer drivers throughout the Blount County community to participate in the program.  Those over the age of 21 with valid driver’s licenses and proof of insurance are encouraged to contact BCCAA for more information.

“It’s all about neighbors helping neighbors, and it’s such a great way to give back to the community,” Shaver said.  “Even if a volunteer can only designate one day per month when he or she can serve as a driver, it would be an invaluable contribution of time to the program.”

For more information on BCCAA or SMiles, please visit http://www.blountcaa.org or call (865) 983-8411 x25.