BRUNSWICK

Charlene Ouellet used to go to the grocery store once, maybe twice a week. But it wasn’t worth it.

“I didn’t get out as much as a I do now,” Ouellet said.

Impaired vision ruled out the mile- long walk to the nearest bus stop.

Since January, Ouellet has benefited from a new transportation coupon program that cuts the cost of her taxi trips in half.

“I feel like I can get out of the house and I don’t have to choose between this or that,” Ouellet said. “If I just have to go to the grocery store for just a few items, I feel it’s worth my trip now.”

The program, which serves residents of the towns of Brunswick and Harpswell as well as Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox counties, is open to anyone with a disability, regardless of age or income.

The nonprofit MCH — formerly the Methodist Conference Home — runs the new coupon program along with Coastal Trans, Meals on Wheels and affordable housing programs for seniors.

Michele Manley, mobility manager for the agency, said that between the transportation services currently available, there were still gaps in the transportation needs for the Mid-coast region.

“Transportation is a huge barrier in this area,” Manley said.

Manley said that in a region with homes scattered across peninsulas, islands and rural roads, people with disabilities can face difficulties finding transportation for daily activities.

“ It can be really hard to connect people with their communities,” Manley said.

Before the transportation coupon program, Ouellet would occasionally use a taxi service to get around, but the cost became prohibitive. Now, she said, she can afford to make trips to the gym.

“I probably use it up to five times a week, where maybe I was going just once a week before,” Ouelett said.

And because taxi providers are receiving the same rate as they do for regular travelers, Manley said, the companies have been helpful in coordinating with the grant program that Manley secured in November.

“The taxi companies have been big advocates because clients who usually pay full price can get twice the amount of rides for the same amount of money,” Manley said.

Manley said the program also provides some relief for caregivers by allowing those with disabilities to have greater independence.

“It’s a great opportunity to try and expand the independence level of people who are isolated,” Ouellet said. “ It made all the difference for me and I appreciate it.”

To qualify for the program, Manley said, a person must meet the federal definition of disabled and must live within the program’s service area.

Manley said providers currently include Brunswick Taxi, Twin Village Taxi, Yellow Cab, as well as wheelchair accessible taxis through Safe Care and A Van to Go.

Applications for the program can be downloaded online at mchinc.org or picked up at People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick, or at the MCH Administrative Office at 46 Summer St. in Rockland.

Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Transit Administration, the Francis Hollis Brain Foundation and the Rockland Rotary Club.

Qualifying applicants can receive transportation coupons to be used with any of the participating taxi companies.

For more information, call 594- 2742 or email mobilitymanagement@mchinc.org.