Norwood Senior Medical Transport Program: Cost Efficiency and User Demand Alignment

The Town of Norwood, located 10 miles from Boston, MA, serves a population of 31,000, with a daytime population exceeding 75,000. As a full-service municipality, Norwood provides a range of services, including police, fire/EMS, education, public works, utilities, recreation, public health, and senior services. Senior services are managed by the Norwood Council on Aging, established in 1972, which operates from a dedicated facility offering office space, activity rooms, dining areas, and more.The Senior Medical Transport Program (SMTP), launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses a critical need for senior transportation. With the abrupt cessation of taxi services and the closure of Norwood Hospital in 2020, seniors faced significant transportation challenges. In response, Norwood developed an in-house program providing free, sedan-based transport for seniors to medical appointments within Norwood and surrounding areas. This evaluation aims to assess the program’s cost-efficiency compared to private ride-share options, its ability to meet user demand, and its alignment with the goal of supporting senior independence and enabling seniors to remain in their homes longer.