Biddeford's idle van finds its driver
by Chelsea Chapman

For two years, Age Friendly Biddeford had a van and no one to drive it.

The van came from their neighbors at Age Friendly Saco, who had received it from the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (now AgeMaine). Saco had an extra and passed it along so Biddeford could start a shuttle route. Getting those wheels turning was another matter. Nobody could find a driver.

Last fall, worries about changes to SNAP food benefits gave the van a new purpose. Saco asked whether Biddeford could use it to bring residents to the Biddeford food pantry. Without a driver, the plan stalled. Saco offered to give the rides instead, and Age Friendly Biddeford spread the word through newsletters and local news. No one called.

The driverless van sat in the parking lot again.

That is, until Judy Unsworth came along. Judy is a former teacher who once drove school buses and holds a commercial driver’s license. She met with executive director Betsy Martin to talk about volunteering. When she heard about the van, she said, “I can drive that van!”

On September 8, 2026, Judy did just that. She drove the shuttle’s first grocery trip to Hannaford, Market Basket, and Walmart.

The shuttle now runs every Tuesday at 10 a.m. The van picks riders up at home, takes them to Hannaford or Market Basket (rider’s choice) for about an hour of shopping, and brings them back. Rides are free and open to Biddeford residents age 60 and older. To save a seat, call 207-391-9512 by Friday for the following Tuesday. The van holds eight passengers and has limited room for grocery bags, so riders should plan accordingly.

The shuttle builds on Age Friendly Biddeford’s volunteer driver program, which has offered free rides to medical appointments since 2023. Riders are asked to call at least a week ahead, or as soon as they know the appointment date and time.

Age Friendly Biddeford got its start with help from Age Friendly Saco, and now it is passing that help along to newer ride programs nearby.

The program is always looking for more volunteers. If you live in Biddeford and want to help, contact Betsy Martin at agefriendlybiddeford207@gmail.com. If you would like to drive, contact Transportation Coordinator Mona Grandbois at 207-391-9512 or transportation.afb@gmail.com.