GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Members of the senior living community at Monterey Park apartments called WesternSlopeNow after learning a bus service they use for getting groceries is shutting down.
Amy Freeman, a senior at the Monterey Park Apartments, says the service is vital because all of the riders know each other.
"Some people see better than others and they can see things on the grocery shelf. Others are able to navigate through the store easier. So, we kind of help each other out."
Alice Miller, once part of a legion of Rosie the Riveters during World War II and Freeman's 99 year old neighbor, recalls the day she turned in her car keys.
"When I came here 10 years ago, I just handed my son the keys. And I said I'm not driving. And he (her son) says well I was going to ask you for them. And I said well they're a lot safer with me no on the road driving."
Transdev, current operator of Grand Valley Transit and the contracted transit bus the seniors at Monterey Park use, posted a letter to residents stating "recent review of federal guidelines related to the use of the Grand Valley Transit buses for this service, we have been told that we no longer have a bus available."
WesternSlopeNow reached out to Transdev officials who emailed us this statement.
Transdev has directed the seniors to apply for GVT's paratransit service for the disabled, if they qualify.
If you would like to apply for GVT's paratransit service, click here.