By Alex Bridges — Daily Staff Writer

A new Internet-based service aims to help area senior citizens get around — without having to shell out money for gas.

The Virginia Department for the Aging recently announced the establishment of Virginia GrandTrans, a resource created by seniors as part of the GrandDriver public health initiative. Seniors who seldom or no longer drive, or those people who care for them, can use a specially designed Web search application to help find nearby transportation options.

"Virginia GrandTrans is a user-friendly resource that helps every Virginian find nearly every transportation option available within the commonwealth," VDA Commissioner Linda Nablo states in a news release. "For those who care for seniors away from home, Virginia GrandTrans helps make it easier to find transportation to and from their physician appointments, the grocery store and pharmacy, and social activities that are all so important for their well being. A feeling of mobility helps us feel independent."

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles helped spearhead the initiative with a state grant awarded through the governor's transportation safety program. Other partners include AARP and the Automobile Association of America.

VDA modeled GrandDriver after a service offered by the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

The introduction of Virginia GrandTrans coincides with a supporting Virginia GrandDriver outdoor advertising campaign.

"GrandDriver is basically a public awareness campaign, it's an educational campaign, it's a Web site. ..." said DMV spokeswoman Melanie Stokes. "It basically gives suggestions on how older people can improve their driving skills, how they may have to compensate for age-related changes when they get older."

GrandDriver recommends a person on certain kinds of medication talk to their doctor about how the drugs may affect their driving, Stokes said.

"GrandDriver also encourages people to go ahead and plan now for your decrease in mobility later," Stokes said. "For example, you may want to move to a walkable community. You may want to check out your community's bus schedule or taxi services or any other services for transportation."

That's where GrandTrans can help.

The GrandTrans part of GrandDriver, recently added to the Web site, helps older people remain mobile by providing seniors with links and contact information for transportation services.

Public and private service providers are listed alphabetically by region. The Northern Shenandoah Valley falls under the Staunton District. A provider finder is also available to help those unfamiliar with the state localities.

Search results also can be narrowed by type such as public transportation or Rideshare, handicap accessibility, paratransit and Medicaid payment acceptance.

GrandTrans listings are provided as "one-stop" information sources for users, according to Nablo. Those wanting to arrange transportation can contact providers directly using the phone numbers and e-mail addresses included with each listing.

At www.granddriver.net, people interested in finding transportation services can click on the Virginia GrandTrans link. The next page allows them to either search for providers by district, each one color coded on a map, or by typing in the city or county in which they live. Clicking on the Staunton District reveals 10 providers under a list of the counties, cities and towns in the district.

Under each provider listed, clicking the link for "more information" reveals details about the service, including the cost for transport, hours of operation, contact information, whether it accepts Medicaid, how many vehicles it has available and if it is program-specific.

A number of providers listed have main offices outside the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Clicking on the "more information" link shows what localities are included in a provider's service area, many of which offer service to the valley.

VDA officials also update and maintain the information on Virginia GrandTrans and officials encourage transportation service providers to visit www.GrandDriver.net and link their own Web sites to it, Nable states.

"New providers are welcome to submit their information to us to be included in what we hope to be the most comprehensive database of transportation options in the Commonwealth," said Nablo.

Given that GrandTrans is on the Internet, people can look up transportation options for loved ones from anywhere, said Nan Johnson, of a marketing firm representing the VDA.

"This makes it an easy way for caregivers across the country, really, with loved ones here in Virginia, to help maintain independence and mobility," Johnson said. "It is such a vital part of life to stay mobile and active as long as you can. And for a lot of people, getting from place to place is part of that key to freedom."

Visit www.GrandDriver.net and click on Virginia GrandTrans for more information.

* Contact Alex Bridges at abridges@nvdaily.com