The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is fortunate to have partners supporting mobility solutions that serve older adults and people living with disabilities. Below are a few updates from MassMobility and the Boston Age Strong Commission.

• GoGo, the company that offers older adults and other riders a way to book an Uber or Lyft trip by calling a phone number instead of using a smartphone app, is encouraging Massachusetts riders to take trips this summer. Callers who mention the promo code GoFreeMA21 and put down a $25 deposit will receive one free trip, up to a $25 value. The deposit funds remain in the rider’s account to pay for future trips, such as the return trip home. Riders who wish to continue using GoGo’s services will also be charged a monthly membership fee after their first 30 days.
• The City of Boston officially relaunched the Taxi Discount Coupon Program. This program is a collaboration between the city’s Age Strong Commission, who sells the coupons, and the Boston Police Department Hackney Unit,  which works in collaboration with the taxi cabs.  Through this program, Boston residents ages 65 and over, as well as residents with disabilities of all ages may purchase two coupon books worth $10 at a cost of $5 per book (a 50% discount) for all taxis licensed by the City of Boston. For a limited time, eligible residents can purchase double the coupons: four coupon books per month for $20. You can make an appointment by calling Age Strong at 617-635-4366 or by booking an appointment online.
• Older adults and drivers of all ages can attend a free virtual CarFit workshop. CarFit is a joint initiative of AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Workshops are scheduled over the coming weeks and those interested can register here.
• After years of planning, Wheels for Wellness, a volunteer driver program serving all of Berkshire County, offered its first ride on June 1. A collaborative effort among the City of Pittsfield RSVP program (RSVP), Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC), Berkshire Interfaith Organizing (BIO), Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative, Community Health Programs, and Berkshire Health Systems, Wheels for Wellness was originally set to launch in April 2020. Partnering agencies delayed their timeline due to the pandemic but maintained contact through bimonthly check-ins, and in March 2021 – with an eye toward helping county residents access vaccine appointments – determined they were ready to plan for launch. They recruited 20 drivers, conducted outreach to riders, and in their first three weeks offered nearly 40 rides