Ferguson secures retired Metro van for Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department

September 7, 2010

Summary

Van will transport low-income and disabled residents to destinations throughout the community

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today unanimously approved the donation of retired Metro Vanpool vans to provide transportation assistance to local governments, community programs, senior citizens, and young adults. Council Chair Bob Ferguson secured a van for the city of Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.

“The Shoreline Parks Department provides valuable services to the residents of Shoreline, and now even more individuals will benefit from the good work of this agency,” said Ferguson. “This van will provide residents with disabilities and kids with a new way to participate in various community programs or enjoy the great outdoors.”

The city of Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department operates 28 parks covering more than 380 acres and a variety of recreational and educational programs. The van will transport children, teens, and people with disabilities to programs both in Shoreline and around King County.

“Finding the means to transport participants to our adult programs, summer camps, and field trips to local parks and libraries, can be a challenge,” said Dick Deal, the Director of Shoreline Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services. “This van is a much needed resource.”

The retired vans have been part of Metro Transit’s vanpool fleet for at least six years and have reached the end of their service life. When the vans reach this age, they are considered surplus.

Since 1995, the County Council has been donating retired vans from Metro’s VanPool program to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for the disabled, low-income, young adults, and senior citizens. The groups are responsible for licensing, insuring and maintaining the vehicles.

The VanPool program provides mobility for a diverse array of King County residents, supports the positive work of various local organizations, and relieves traffic congestion by reducing the need for single-occupancy vehicles. Interested organizations can contact the Councilmember representing their district for more information on applying for a vehicle.