By Michelle Moskowitz
Sentinel Correspondent
Ever wonder how the elderly, the disabled or disadvantaged members of our community get to the grocery store, to a doctor’s appointment, or to work?
Since 1984, the Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG), a private, non-profit organization has been getting individuals to and from their desired destination safely and on-time.
Each year, TAG travels more than 225,000 miles, providing over 100,000 rides to people in need.
James Boutelle, a Greenwich native and the executive director of TAG, has been spearheading the organization for almost 25 years now.
Boutelle, a former 25-year member of the RTM and former member of CDAC, also served six years as a member of the United Way Community Planning Council. Currently, he serves on the Greenwich Housing Authority, which manages over 1,000 units of moderate and low-income public housing, much of it for the elderly. His in-depth knowledge of the town and its organizations makes Boutelle the perfect advocate for TAG as he works with other local organizations and constituents to help better serve the community.
After attending Georgetown University, Boutelle worked with the White House Advance Office, running motorcades for former presidents.
When Boutelle moved back to Greenwich, he joined the board of TAG when the organization was first part of the Red Cross and had only three vehicles.
He soon realized the critical role of the organization and its impact on so many other non-profits and social services agencies, and took on the role of executive director.
“I have a parent who rode on our service, so I know first-hand how essential TAG is to families and the well-being of our citizens,” says Boutelle.
Today, TAG has 18 handicap vehicles and four commercial shuttles. TAG’s vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts, easy access doors, and two-way radios for up-to-the minute communication.
Among the many neighboring agencies and social services agencies that TAG works with are Greenwich Adult Day Center (GADC), Easy Access, Abilis, the Senior Center, and Dial-A-Ride.
In addition, TAG provides after school transportation service from nine elementary schools to both the YMCA and the YWCA for working parents who require after school care.
While Boutelle runs a tight operation, which includes five operational staff members and about 20 professional drivers, TAG is not a free service.
However, all rides are offered at a significant discount to passengers, making it quite affordable.
“We work to provide the absolute best service we can at the lowest cost possible,” adds Boutelle.
But today, operational costs are increasing such as insurance premiums and fuel prices, while at the same time, both local and state funding have decreased.
Boutelle works diligently to streamline operations and trim costs where he can, such as incorporating tablet computers in every vehicle (which saves about $75,000 per year) and adding cameras.
TAG needs $2 million per year to operate its vehicles and relies significantly on foundation grants and donations, especially since state funding is down in the past few years.
Another key component of TAG is Safe Rides, a transportation service for teenagers designed to reduce the dangers of teen drinking and driving.
During the school year, the service runs Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with extended hours during prom and special events, but Boutelle says those trips often mean service is running until 2 a.m.
This service is free and completely anonymous. All cars are driven by certified TAG drivers and supervised by TAG personnel. Each car also has a teen volunteer who facilitates the incoming calls and assists with pick-up and drop-off service.
With Safe Rides, Boutelle runs an impressive teen volunteer center with more than 60 students. He recruits a student president, vice-president and team leaders who hold key responsibilities for running the operation.
It’s apparent that Boutelle and his staff are fully committed to their work, to ensuring that all members of the community are given the chance to live the lives they want by getting them where they want to go.
“Not only have we never had a driver or staff member resign, but our staff became quite attached to our riders after helping them for so many years,” says Boutelle. “It’s really like a family here.”
Call (203) 637-4345 to reserve a ride. Visit ridetag.org for information on services, volunteering and donations.
