From York County Government, written by Tammy Wells

ALFRED, Maine – When you’re older or have disabilities, getting to a medical appointment, to the market,  the library,  community center or elsewhere  – places where you need to be or want to be – happens in a couple of ways:

• Those who are able and have an available vehicle drive there.
• For those who don’t have access to a vehicle, can’t drive or don’t any longer, transportation can be a bit more challenging; sometimes, family can help but in some instances, there is no family nearby to pitch in.

Fortunately, several York County communities offer a lifeline of volunteer transportation programs for medical visits and essential errands, alongside established regional transit systems. York County Community Action Corporation, based in Sanford and connects to various locations in the city and beyond, including some coastal locales, and  BSOOB,  which connects Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach to each other and destinations further afield.

On a recent evening, more than two dozen transportation providers, municipal leaders, and advocates gathered at the York County Government building in Alfred. The goal: exchange information, explore ways to broaden services, and discuss how legislative policy and associated funding support can better connect residents from their doorsteps to their destinations.

The inaugural York County Transportation and Mobility Forum was founded and organized by York County Commissioner Justin Chenette, with the help of various stakeholders like YCCAC, BSOOB, representatives from area Age-Friendly communities and others devoted to transportation issues.

“My goal with this forum is to make it an annual check-in on the important progress made in each of our communities and to discuss specific action steps we can work on year-round to advance public transit,” said Chenette. “We find so much good work happening, but sometimes we don’t know what each other are working on. Getting everyone in this room gives us that. We can now have a foundation for shared progress going forward.”

According to data from  the University of Maine Center on Aging’s Lifelong Maine initiative, seven volunteer transportation programs in York County serve 16 of its 29 municipalities, with most fully active. Lyman, among the seven, is eyeing a fall start-up, under its community Age-Friendly initiative. Another program, based in York, is transitioning to management by York Community Service Association after the founder of the program retired.

The good news is that those agencies together deploy 110 volunteer drivers, support 958 registered riders, and provide  6,062 rides annually.

The demand is growing rapidly. Saco’s Age-Friendly program, established in  2015, launched a transportation program in 2022, providing 300 rides that year, said director Jean Saunders. In  2025, the agency provided 1,400 rides.

Age Friendly Saco utilizes two transportation programs: rides for medical appointments and a door-to-door van shuttle service three days a week for shopping, library, the community center, rides to the polls on Election Day, and more.

“Most of our volunteers are retirees; they get a sense of purpose,” driving folks to their appointments, said Saunders.

Advocates say sustaining the momentum has its challenges. A poll by Lifelong Maine showed the biggest obstacle cited by the York County programs is the need for more volunteers drivers.

“We really need drivers,” said Judy Unsworth of Age-Friendly Biddeford.

Other challenges include rider awareness of the programs, coordinator burnout, a lack of money to reimburse drivers and funding in general.

None of the  reimburse volunteers for mileage – something advocates say they would rectify if there was available funding.

“Reimbursement should be standard,” said Lifelong Maine director Patricia Oh. She noted Lifelong Maine provides the Age-Friendly programs free background checks for volunteer drivers, excess liability insurance, ride- scheduling and tracking ride software,  and mini grants for current and emerging programs.

State Rep. Lynn Copeland attended the session to gain a comprehensive look at existing services and identify where state-level policy could help. Meanwhile, Zoey Miller of the Moving Maine Network – a statewide coalition advancing transportation equity – noted the organization stands ready to help communities by providing support through grant writing assistance and the like.

York County Community Action Corporation Transportation Director Tom Reinauer gave an overview of other transportation services providing transit options:  BSOOB operates primarily fixed routes in the three communities and into Scarborough, South Portland and Portland; a seasonal trolley service and more; YCCAC offers routes within Sanford, Sanford/Wells, Biddeford/Saco and a demand-response bus and volunteer driver program in the county. COAST, primarily a seacoast New Hampshire transit system,  operates a fixed route between Berwick and the NH communities of Somersworth and Rochester, and another from Kittery to Portsmouth, NH.

Reinauer noted the Amtrak Downeaster stops at stations in Wells, Saco and seasonally in Old Orchard Beach, and that Greyhound stops at the Wells Transportation Center.

Even with robust routes, labor shortages persist. BSOOB Executive Director John Savage noted that recruiting and retaining commercially licensed drivers remains an ongoing challenge.

With strong turnout and clear community needs, organizers confirmed the York County Transportation and Mobility Forum will become an annual event, said Chenette.

“Going forward, we will continue engaging stakeholders on next steps, including sharing resources, funding opportunities, and ways to advocate for broader policy changes to enhance our local volunteer driver programs,” Chenette said. “York County Government can be the glue to bring everyone together, and I fully expect our leadership with this forum will continue next year and beyond. Having reliable transportation options is a matter of independence, dignity, and quality of life.”

​Community leaders, transportation providers, municipal officials, nonprofit partners, advocates, and residents are invited to participate in the York County Transportation & Mobility Forum on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the York County EMA Room, 149 Jordan Springs Road, Alfred, Maine. Refreshments will be provided. 
 
The forum will bring together York County partners for a regional stakeholder working session focused on improving transportation and mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and other residents who rely on coordinated community transportation. "Transportation is a critical need for the residents of York County, and this forum is an opportunity to gather input on how we can best serve the needs of the region," said County Commissioner Justin Chenette.
 
Discussion topics will include York County transportation today, transportation needs and gaps in services, coordination among York County partners, Maine’s Volunteer Driver programs, the York County Mobility Management Hub and mobility collaboration next steps, and funding tools to sustain local programs. 
 
Participants are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, and help shape the future of transportation in York County. Participants with limited access to transportation can request a ride by calling 207-459-2932. Zoom link is available as well.
 
To RSVP or request a Zoom link: [email protected] or call 207-459-2932.

Media Contact 
Tom Reinauer
York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) 
[email protected]
 207.459.2932 

Three local high school seniors have been named the 2026 recipients of the Chenette Leadership Scholarship, an award recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, civic engagement, and leadership.

This year’s scholars represent Thornton Academy, Old Orchard Beach High School, and Bonny Eagle High School. Each recipient was selected based on their proven track record of putting others first and their future aspirations to serve their communities.
​
“It is an honor to support these three remarkable young leaders as they transition to the next phase of their lives,” said York County Commissioner Justin Chenette, who started the scholarship. “From mentoring younger students to advocating for policy changes at the school board, these students embody the spirit of service that can give us all hope for our future.”

It was an honor to join fellow leaders and community members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Town Hall in Hollis. 

This 18,500-square-foot facility didn't just appear overnight. It is the culmination of many years of meticulous planning by the Select Board and countless individuals. It’s a testament to what we can achieve through collaboration across various levels of government, agencies, and committed stakeholders, fueled by strong public support. 

While this certainly reflects modernized infrastructure, this is so much more than just another shovel-ready project or new building. This shared, public space will foster a greater sense of community and connection with one another. Now more than ever, it is important to have a central hub where we can meet face-to-face, shoulder to shoulder, alongside our fellow neighbors. While this structure houses key municipal services, the new large multi-purpose room is for everyone to make their own. During the Boston Post Cane recipient ceremony, we recognized longtime local resident Rita Anderson, and the multi-purpose space will be named in her honor. 

This is a safe, accessible, and energy-efficient sanctuary that will even serve as an emergency shelter during storms, ensuring that no resident is left out in the cold. Perhaps most impressively, this public investment was completed debt-free, thanks to smart fiscal planning. 
No matter what brings you to town hall, whether you are here for a Select Board meeting, engage with a town department, meet up with a service group, or attend a community event, these are merely opportunities to share in the joy of fellowship. This new town hall is a physical representation of the very heart of Hollis; the people.

What truly defines Hollis isn't found in ordinances or property lines; it’s found in the quiet acts of kindness and compassion that happen here every single day. We are a community that looks out for one another, whether it’s checking on a neighbor during a power outage or coming together to raise funds for the parks and rec program during our community day festival. It is that selfless spirit and genuine care for one another that make Hollis such a wonderful place to call home, and this new Town Hall building now stands as a dedicated beacon to keep that culture of neighbor-lee-ness alive for generations to come.

When people drive by, they won't just see a municipal office; they will be filled with an overall sense of pride in a town that invests in its future and its people. This new town hall building represents a multi-generational investment in our community that will pay dividends through public participation and engagement.

​Congratulations to the Town of Hollis for a job well done!

​Participated as a panelist at the 7th Annual Saco Bay Coastal Erosion Symposium at Saco City Hall. Really appreciate SOS: "Save Our Shores" Saco Bay for organizing and the City of Saco for hosting. Every level of government was represented for discussions on how best to move forward collectively to protect our coastline and ensure long-term resiliency for Saco Bay.