Tri-Valley Transit Launches Randolph Shopper Route

Randolph, Vermont – In response to the impending closure of Rochester’s local grocery store, Tri-Valley Transit (TVT) announces the launch of a weekly public bus route between Hancock and Randolph.  “We recognize that Mac’s closing is a significant crisis in the local community,” said Jim Moulton, TVT Executive Director.  “We already serve transit dependent people in the Route 100 area, and are glad to fill this additional void, especially to the more vulnerable members of our community.”

The Randolph Shopper is open to everyone and will run every Wednesday with stops at Hancock Town Hall/Quintown Senior Center at 12:45 PM, the Bar Harbor Bank/Mac’s parking lot at 12:51, and the Randolph Shaw’s plaza at 1:35. The return trip will leave Shaw’s at 2:20 PM, arriving in Rochester around 3:10 and Hancock at 3:15.  For those that have difficulty getting to a stop, drivers will deviate from the route up to 3/4 mile to pick riders up from their home or other accessible location in Hancock, Rochester, Stockbridge, and Bethel.  These deviations can be requested by calling TVT the day before the trip at 802-728-3773.  Thanks to support from state and local governments along with community contributions, the Randolph Shopper, like all TVT bus routes, will operate with Zero Fares.

All TVT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to accommodate mobility devices, and bike racks with space for two bicycles.  Personal shopping trolleys and other larger items are welcomed on the bus but for safety reasons, must be able to be kept under the rider’s control and out of the aisles.  Complete bus schedules are available at https://www.trivalleytransit.org/ or by contacting TVT at 802-728-3773 or info@trivalleytransit.org .

TVT also operates a Dial-A-Ride program that provides six free round-trip rides per month to shopping, medical appointments, and other personal trips for anyone over 60 years old or people of any age with a disability.  These rides can be scheduled by calling the TVT office, and are often provided by community volunteer drivers using their own vehicles but accessible buses will be used when needed.  TVT is always in need of more drivers, so if you are interested in volunteering your time to help neighbors in need and getting a generous reimbursement for every mile you drive, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Val Wild at 802-728-3773.