b"N e w t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e h i t s t h e r o a dAlejandra Sanchez grew up watching her mom, who doesnt know how to drive, struggle to get to doctors appointments on time fromPescadero. The countys public bus system, SamTrans, stopped serving the Pescadero area some years ago, replaced by a contract with anon-demand shuttle company. Sanchez is now Puentes first-ever community driver, a job she knew was very needed. I knew Id be helping people like my mom whohave no other mode of transportation, she says. She now transports locals to and from the doctor, dentist, and pharmacy in Half Moon Bay or over the hill to Bayside San Mateo County.Shes bilingual, knows the local roads, and enjoys connecting with the participants, especially the older adults. I like hearing their storiesAlejandra Sanchez, Puente Driver, getting ready to and all their adventures from when they were younger, Sanchez says. And I feel like it's good for them. Its good for me.take a participant and her baby to an appointment.Alejandra Snchez, conductora de Puente, Sanchez goes way beyond the call of duty. Some Spanish-speaking participants cannot read or write, so she will help them at thepreparndose para llevar a una participante y a su registration desk. Other times shell notice a participant needs help carrying their bags because they use a walker. Sometimes, shell evenbeb a una cita. sit in the waiting room at the doctors office if someone asks her to.Puentes part-time South Coast bus transportation service debuted in late 2023 and was an instant hit. Puente dug into its general fund to pay for the service, which uses its 12-person van. Thevehicle was funded by an individual donor back in 2018. Its an expensive venture, but free for riders, of course. The service targets farmworkers and older, low-income, or socially and geographicallyisolated adults.Sandra Norris is an avid rider. The 84-year-old is not able to drive herself to and from appointments or to the grocery store. Ive got arthritis and some ruptured discs in my spine. I get tired easily. Ive hired people to drive me, but it was very expensive, she says. This saves me money. The driver is an exceptionally niceperson, she drives beautifully. So, its been quite wonderful. Community Health Director Ophlie Vico describes the service as a band-aid solution. Puentes Older Adults Committeea group of staff and community membersare pushing for morecomprehensive solutions. P u e n t es t r a n s p o r t a t i o n s e r v i c e p r o v i d e d 8 6 7 r o u n d - t r i p r i d e s t oh e a l t h a p p o i n t m e n t s , t h e p h a r m a c y , a n d g r o c e r y s t o r e f o r 1 6 6i n d i v i d u a l s i n f i s c a l y e a r 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4 .14"