In an effort to make traveling by Bee-line bus safer and more convenient for seniors, Westchester County announced Wednesday a new program called Senior B.E.A.T.: Be Educated About Transit.
The county program, which contains a short film, a guide to riding the Bee-Line system and other materials was presented at the Hugh A. Doyle Senior Center in New Rochelle. It is available for other senior centers, clubs and venues throughout Westchester.
Commissioner Jay Pisco explained that the program grew out of a survey on the importance of transportation to seniors. He said the transit system does change, often at the request of riders, though sometimes the changes are not fiscally possible.
Information from the county said that 20 percent of all Westchester residents are 60 years or older. The percentage of riders over 50 has increased 4 percent since 2007, supporting an overall trend that shows the Bee-Line's riders are aging.
The B.E.A.T. program was made possible by a grant from the state Department of Transportation and is a cooperative effort of the county's Department of Public Works and Transportation and Department of Senior Programs and Services.
To schedule a the one-hour Senior BEAT program, call 914-813-7741 or email mbb4@westchestergov.com.
