Transportation
A review and summary of Rural Health Scholar research that addresses transportation on Martha's Vineyard.
Public Transportation on MV
Scholar Observations
- The current public transportation system does need meet elders’ needs, 2011 RHS Presentation & 2013
- There are limited public transportation options for accessing healthy food, 2012 RHS Presentation
- Households with access to a car and unstructured time have the ability to grocery shop off-island, 2012 RHS Presentation
- Better public transportation is needed from the remote areas of Aquinnah and Chilmark to areas down Island, especially to the YMCA, 2019 RHS Presentation
Scholar Recommendations
- Recommended expanded hours of operation for public transportation, 2012 RHS Presentation
- Recommended a compiled website of reproductive health services should also include information of how to access the clinic via public transportation, 2017 RHS Presentation
Summary of the Community's response so far No updates (6.17.2022)
Other Transportation on MV
Scholar Observations
- Blueberry Van provided $5 round trip rides from elderly housing to places like grocery stores, pharmacies, etc., 2012 RHS Presentation & 2014
Scholar Recommendations
- Recommended improve door-to-door transportation services for the elderly, 2011 RHS Presentation
- Recommended expansion of the Medivan service, 2013 RHS Presentation & 2014
Summary of the Commuity's response so far
No updates (6.17.2022)
Off-Island Transportation
Scholar Observations
- Off-Island transportation is also problematic for elders, especially when they go to the mainland for medical services and appointments, 2011 RHS Presentation
- Recommended creating a travel fund for off-Island visits to specialty care providers, 2017 RHS Presentation ‡
- Specifically, reproductive endocrinology, urology, and off-Island deliveries or NICU admissions
Summary of the Commuity's response so far
- IHC currently has a travel fund for these needs (mostly used by elders) and could be expanded (Updated 06.17.2022)