This article was originally published at the Press and Guide website and can be found by clicking here.

Five vans we were recently acquired by the City of Dearborn through grant-funding from the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation.

In addition to the vans, the Dearborn Senior Center has a new bus that was delivered last fall through SMART’S replacement program. The new vans and bus complete the fleet available to senior citizens for transportation in and around the City of Dearborn.

“Providing a comprehensive senior transportation network is an essential part of providing a means to independence for our older residents,” Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr. said.

All Dearborn residents age 60 and older are eligible for the regular Senior Busing services offered through the Dearborn Senior Division of the Recreation and Parks Department. The service also covers those who are younger than 60 if they have a SMART disability card. The program offers door to door service.

Residents are asked to call to schedule rides two weeks in advance, although reservations can be taken as close as four days ahead. Tuesdays include visits to banks and drug stores, and Thursdays focus on grocery shopping. Medical appointments can be scheduled for any weekday.

Rides are $1 each way, and the service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Transportation is only provided in Dearborn, but passengers age 65 or older can receive free bus or Connector tickets to link to other SMART services.

To schedule a ride, call 313 943-4083. For information in Arabic, call 313-943-2783.

The vans are 2016 Ford multi-passenger vans valued at $40,000 each. The bus, a 2015 Champion Challenger, is worth more than $77,000 and seats 13.