Tel: 207.854.0505 Fax: 207.857.9199
Press Releases
Walk for Rides, June 1, Back Cove, Portland
Click here for brochure and registration form.
ITNPortland will be holding its 7th annual Walk for Rides from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2008, around the Back Cove in Portland. If you are interested in walking as an individual or with a team, sponsoring Katherine Freund who will walk on behalf of those who are unable, volunteering at the event, baking some goodies, or donating a prize, please contact Jenn Demers at (207) 591-6944. Entertainment provided by musician Dave Gagne. We invite you to be part of this special event!
Give yourself – and an older adult – a lift
Click here to listen to the audio file.
Economic Impact of ITNPortland Increases 149%
Westbrook, ME, April 7, 2008
The economic impact of having an Independent Transportation Network affiliate has risen sharply in the last five years. Members of ITNPortland will spend an estimated $806,036 annually in the Greater Portland community. Increases in ridership and the consumer price index account for this increase, calculated in 2003 at $322,797 and now revised to $806,036. Riders are 65 years or older and those with visual impairments who might otherwise not be able to travel, shop and make their medical appointments.
"Older people are a vital part of the local economy," said ITNAmerica Executive Director Katherine Freund, "but if they cannot leave their homes, it is difficult for them to make an impact."
Research shows that non-driving seniors make 15% fewer trips to the doctor and 65% fewer trips for social, family and religious activities. ITN provides door-through-door transportation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no restrictions on ride purpose. All rides are in private cars with trained drivers who fold walkers, carry packages and open doors.
No tax payer dollars are used to operate the service, and the fares charged only cover approximately half the cost of the rides. Community support is needed to keep the service affordable, and there is an urgent need for more volunteer drivers. To help, please call 207 854-0505.
Look Who's Driving Now...
Matthew McKenzie
...AAA Northern New England's Matt McKenzie
December 19, 2007 (Westbrook, ME) -- AAA Northern New England's Vice President Matthew McKenzie volunteered to drive seniors for ITNPortland's Look Who's Driving Now campaign. The program puts the spotlight on senior mobility and the unique nonprofit service that provides dignified rides 24/7 in private automobiles in the Greater Portland area.
ITN uses volunteer drivers to provide 25-40 percent of the 17,000 rides they provide annually to seniors and the visually impaired. Volunteer drivers help keep the cost of providing transportation to ITN members affordable. The ride fares cover only approximately half the true expense of the service. Community support makes up the rest.
Volunteers receive mileage reimbursement for part of the ride and transportation credits for the rest. The credits can be saved for the volunteer's own future use, transferred to a loved one, or donated to a low-income senior through the Road Scholarship Program.
For more information on volunteering, or if someone you know needs the service, please call 854-0505 or visit http://www.itnportland.org.
Listen to volunteers tell why they love driving for ITN!
2007, Thanks to the Maine Medical Center.