COA votes to waive bus fee for six months

Council on Aging · Meeting of October 14, 2026

WATERTOWN — The Watertown Council on Aging voted to suspend its $3 suggested donation for senior shuttle bus rides for a six-month trial. Senior Center staff member Lydia told the board grant and city funding already cover the transportation program, and a new 14-seat electric bus is being prepared to expand in-town errand rides. Board member Russ argued to keep some fee, saying "things that you get for nothing don't have much value to you," while members Arlene, Phyllis and Ryan favored eliminating the barrier for low-income riders and public housing residents.

The board also heard the city council raised funding for the GoGo Grandparent rideshare program to $25,000, covering roughly 100 medical-appointment rides a month. The bus fee vote passed unanimously by voice vote, with usage and cost to be reviewed again in about six months.

In the full story:

• Roll Call and Minutes
• Director's Report: Program Highlights
• Program Updates for October
• Veterans Dinner Planning
• Staff Update and Facility Changes
• Fee Policy Debate: Senior Shuttle Bus Donations
• Ambulance Service Questions
• Veterans Cards and Assisted-Living Outreach
• Joint Health Fair With Belmont
• Adjournment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 1,985 words

Source: the Council on Aging meeting of October 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.