Transportation

The Sugarloaf Explorer operated by Western Maine Transportation Services provides bus routes linking residential neighborhoods, condominiums, inns and hotels in Carrabassett Valley with the Sugarloaf Base Lodge, the Outdoor Center, and local shops and restaurants. All rides are free. Scheduled services are available on weekends and during holiday weeks from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. On weekdays, shuttles operate on-call from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For on-call service, dial 237-6853. Click on the Sugarloaf Explorer website for the routes and timetables.

Western Maine Transportation Services provide wheelchair-lift equipped paratransit bus and assistive seat-equipped minivan services in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties. WMTS can get you to medical appointments, shopping, personal services and daytime social activities. WMTS public bus fares range from $1.00 per one-way rides of distances under 25 miles, upward to $5.00 one-way for trips over 50 miles. The Senior Plus Elder Riders Program is for seniors aged 60 and over who are unable to afford transportation to medical appointments. Riders for this program are required to meet income guidelines. Please call 1-800-393-9335 at least 24 hours in advance (before 4 p.m.) to schedule a ride.

Rides for Carrabassett Valley residents are provided by WMTS volunteer drivers, not the minivan service. The service is available for transportation to medical appointments for all qualified MaineCare patients 60 plus years of age or disabled. Call 1-800-393-9335 two business days in advance to schedule a ride.

For non MaineCare qualified seniors there is limited transportation service available through the United Way Community Rides Program and the SeniorsPlus Elder Rides Program, also scheduled through WMTS at 1-800-393-9335. Call for further information and availability.

Community Concepts Inc., with offices in Lewiston, Rumford and Wilton, offers an Elder Rides service for seniors who do not have MaineCare support for transportation to critical medical appointments. Non-medical transportation is also available for a fee. Call 1-800-866-5588 for more information on rates and availability of services in Carrabassett Valley. Interested in helping out locally? Become a volunteer driver. Call Community Concepts for information and application forms.

   DAV Transportation Network

Veterans residing in Franklin County and receiving medical care at the Togus V.A. Medical Center in Augusta can receive free round-trip transportation from home to V.A, Togus, on board a vehicle operated by a local volunteer for the DAV Transportation Network. Call the Hospital Services Coordinator at 207-623-5790 to schedule your appointments and rides for Mondays, between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M.

2022 AARP Community Challenge grant to United Way of the Tri-Valley Area in coordination with the Community Rides Program in Rangeley to address rural transportation needs in Franklin County, will provide free rides to adults over 55 to medical appointments and other needs. The Rangeley Community Rides Program will expand free rides services to residents of Phillips, Strong, Avon, Salem, Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, New Vineyard, Freeman, Madrid and Mt. Abram Township. With support from the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, the program will allow adults 18-55 to also participate. For more information and to schedule program services, call Merrie Woodworth, 207-778-5048 Ext. 6 or visit the website http://www.aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.

 

COVID-19 Vaccines – Effective March 9, 2021 – Non-MaineCare patients eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Maine, may contact ModivCare at 1-855-608-5172 for transportation from home to vaccination sites. Rides provided through Community Action Programs.