Warwick celebrates new transit van

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) -- Warwick seniors celebrated the arrival of a new 16-passenger van on Thursday.

The new para-transit van was purchased as part of the city's Transwick senior transportation program. US Senator Jack Reed, Mayor Scott Avedisian, representatives from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) and the city's Senior Services Division staff were the main players in securing this acquisition.

Eighty percent of the funding came from money Reed secured for RIPTA through the Federal Transit Authority, with the remaining 20 percent being paid by the city.

"I am pleased to have helped secure this federal funding and worked with Mayor Avedisian and RIPTA to help seniors in Warwick live more independently active lives," said Reed.

The Transwick program provides seniors with inexpensive transportation to accomplish everyday activities, such as grocery and retail shopping, doctor visits and banking.

"We are very grateful to Senator Reed for securing this funding, which will provide safe, comfortable transportation to some of the thousands of seniors who use the Transwick program during the year," Avedisian said.

The new bus can accommodate 16 seated passengers and two wheelchairs.