B’ville Express is a lifeline for area seniors.

The program provides senior citizens residing in the Greater Baldwinsville area with transportation to doctors’ appointments, the pharmacy and grocery store, as well as Canton Woods Senior Center.

“Many seniors share that they prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and practical. Safe reliable transportation is a crucial component,” said Ruth Troy, the director of Canton Woods Senior Center, adding that it is also important for seniors to have transportation to centers like Canton Woods. “Being able to stay active and socially connected promotes wellness and improves quality of life for Baldwinsville’s senior population.”

B’ville Express is one of many transportation programs serving local communities, which are funded by the Onondaga Office of Aging and Youth. While the programs may vary, the goal is always to help area seniors reach doctors’ and other essential appointments, Troy said. These programs have become more important as other transportation operations have been limited or eliminated entirely.

“B’ville Express is important because it meets the immediate need of transporting seniors in Greater Baldwinsville safely to essential appointments. The more significant impact is that B’ville Express helps make it possible for seniors to remain independent, living in their own homes in the community,” Troy said.

Operating out of the senior center, Troy said the program is very busy and continues to grow every week. And since the program relies completely upon dedicated volunteer drivers, there is always a need for more volunteers. Troy asks people to consider becoming a B’ville Express driver to help transport even more Baldwinsville seniors to necessary appointments.

“The volunteer drivers benefit from the B’ville Express experience as well. Many report they enjoy the sense of well-being derived from being helpful to others and giving back to their community,” Troy said.

While senior citizen riders are welcome to make a donation directly to the program, there is no charge for the rides provided by B’ville Express. This also means the volunteer drivers are not reimbursed by the mile or for each ride. However, B’ville Express hosts appreciation and recruitment receptions periodically throughout the year. At these receptions, the transportation coordinator distributes gas cards to the B’ville Express volunteer drivers as a way to say thank you and to help defray their fuel cost. The center will host its next Driver Appreciation and Recruitment Holiday Reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at Canton Woods, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville.

“If you are already a driver for B’ville Express or if you would like to learn more about becoming a driver for B’ville Express, please join us at this event,” Troy said.

For more information, call 638-0097.