Independence Township Senior Center’s first ‘Bucks for Buses? benefit picnic is set for Sat., Aug. 11. , from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The fundraiser is to help keep transportation costs at current levels. The center asks for a donation of $2 one way, and $4 round trip from its riders to help cover an actual cost of $20-$30.
‘Some cannot give that,? said Margaret Bartos, senior center coordinator.
The center receives two grants from Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). The $120,000 from these two grants is used to cover two full-time bus drivers, benefits and 25 percent of the full-time clerk’s pay. This also includes 22 hours of the part-time driver’s pay and gas/repairs.
According to Bartos, most private transportation costs at least $61.
‘We are providing a service that people couldn’t do without, said Bartos. ‘They wouldn’t be able to afford any other transportation.?
In 2006, the senior center drove a total of 71,679 miles, serving 9,141 seniors, 1,724 of whom use wheel chairs.
First priority are people going to kidney dialysis. Second are physically and mentally challenged going to and from work. Third, grocery shopping and prescriptions. Fourth, hair appointments and coming to the senior center.
The picnic will also include hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by John Stakoe, state representative of the 44th district. For more information about the picnic or how to sponsor/ donate money, call Bartos at 248-625-8231.

Transportation costs include

‘Quart of Oil…$2.50
‘Gallon of Gas…$3.50
‘Anti-Freeze…$10
‘Wiper Blades…$20 each
‘Oil Filter…$80
‘Fuel Filter…$112-$130
‘Tires…$125
‘Wheel Chair lift repair…$130
‘Brake Pads…$130/pad
‘Power steering…$175
‘Tune Up…$195-$250
‘Alternator…$258
‘Water Pump…$285