Commission on Aging (COA) members talked about the new transportation program at their Monday, September 15 meeting.

Director of Human Services Natalie Griffith said there is an exciting reason why they have been busier than usual: they recently launched the Newtown Easy Transit program. Senior residents ages 60 and older, as well as people with disabilities, can use the service to get to where they need to go in and out of town.

Newtown Easy Transit hit the road for its inaugural ride on Friday, September 12.

“So we’re really, really excited to finally share that the program has hit the ground running,” Griffith said.

She added that they had rides booked throughout the week, with rides scheduled on four out of the five total service days. They were also poised to take additional reservations as needed.

Griffith said they sent out postcards to a large majority of the town on the week of September 8. The postcard featured general information about Newtown Easy Transit and encouraged people to come sign up.

“The next day, the phone started ringing,” Griffith said. “As of my last count today, we already had nine new riders already register and purchase punch cards.”

She also said that they are hoping the new program helps boost Newtown Senior Center membership.

“If you’re a member, there’s no fee to register with the program,” Griffith explained. “And when you come in to sign up, you even get an Easy Transit bag as a little incentive.”

With the new program’s pilot phase now underway, Griffith said they are still encouraging residents use the SweetHART and Friends of Newtown Seniors’ Newtown Rides transportation services.

“We’re really trying to help people identify what’s the most economical and effective way to get from point A to point B,” Griffith said.

She continued by saying they have officially hired three drivers. There is an additional driver who should have started by the end of that week, and then another person who is in the process of becoming a driver.

While it sounds like a lot of drivers, Griffith said they are all part-time and per diem.

“So we really need to build up the labor force,” Griffith explained.

She said one person who drives for them also drives for the school under All-Star Transportation, meaning they can never do an appointment after 2:30 pm. Another driver, Griffith said, is only available on Fridays.

Transportation Coordinator Jennifer Faircloth, who visited the COA earlier this year when she was beginning to design the program, is now officially housed at the Senior Center.

Griffith said a lot of what Faircloth will handle early on is sorting out schedules. This way, they can cover any ride that is coming in and requested of them.

“But I think it’s a really strong start,” Griffith said with a smile.

Griffith recently applied to Newtown Savings Bank for a small grant, which she said would be aimed at transportation.

To that end, Griffith said they are looking to exhaust the $100,000 ARPA funds they received from the State and State Representative Mitch Bolinsky by December 26, 2026. These funds are designated for transportation services.

“We also want to be very thoughtful to make sure we’re building up capacity,” Griffith continued. “We’re being considerate of that and finding other funding.”

COA Chair Anne Rothstein asked if they ever heard feedback from riders about their experiences with Newtown Easy Transit. She suggested giving riders a survey to express their opinions, as it would be helpful when it came to finding other grants.

Energy Assistance, Other Plans

Griffith said energy assistance season has officially kicked off, as applications for energy assistance opened on September 8.

Connecticut residents struggling to pay their utility bills can apply for home heating assistance at their local Community Action Agency. Griffith said these are the only nonprofit agencies administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP is a federal program administered by CT Department of Social Services that provides home heating assistance.

Homeowners and/or renters can apply. Funds may be used to pay for whatever source of heating residents may have in their homes, including wood, electric, oil, kerosene, or natural gas.

The program runs through May. To make an appointment or to ask questions, call Human Services at 203-270-4330. A resident can work directly with Community Action at 203-744-4700.

Griffith said energy assistance is a key qualifier for the Department of Human Services to participate in holiday programs. This includes the Thanksgiving Basket Program, in partnership with Women Involved in Newtown, and the Holiday Gift Basket program, in partnership with The Newtown Fund.

Approval for energy assistance demonstrates financial need to qualify for the holiday programs.

“It’s not the only qualifier, but it’s the largest of our qualifiers, as it demonstrates that financial need,” Griffith explained.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.