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Senior Transportation Provider launches Los Angeles Affiliate to serve growing number of California Senior Drivers

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Transportation for the elderly is fast becoming a key issue in California with more than 2.5 million senior drivers aged 70 or older on the road today and rising (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).  

As the nation's senior population continues to grow (71 million by 2030, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation) there will be an increased reliance on sustainable transportation for those with physical limitations who want to preserve their mobility and independence.

For seniors and their family members and caregivers who currently struggle with safe transportation alternatives, ITNAmerica (Independent Transportation Network) today announces the launch of its ITNGreaterLA affiliate, providing a safe, responsible and dignified supplement to public transportation in the West LA, Palms, Culver City, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Venice and Santa Monica areas.

In a "Make Every Ride Count" grand opening event this Friday, August 22 and Saturday, August 23, ITNAmerica and its national insurance partner Liberty Mutual will be discussing safe driving alternatives, tips for having conversations around transportation with a senior driver, suggestions for staying safe behind the wheel, and identifying signs that your aging loved one may be at risk on the road.

The event will take place at the West Los Angeles Whole Foods, 11666 National Boulevard, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

"We understand that seniors today are more active and independent than ever before and by offering our services to LA's growing senior community we are enabling them to continue to maintain their lifestyles," said Nicole Kaplan, ITNGreaterLA Chair and Elder Connection Program Developer of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, ITNGreaterLA's local partner.

"Change is never easy, but our private, dignified, and affordable service makes it easier for seniors and their families to make the transition to the passenger seat."

ITNAmerica is an economically sustainable, community-based approach to senior mobility. It provides 24/7, personalized rides to seniors who limit or stop driving.

Caring ITNAmerica volunteers from the local community and a small paid staff use their own or donated cars to recreate the comfort and convenience of automobile ownership by providing seniors with personalized door-to-door transportation, 24/7, for any purpose -- shopping, doctors' appointments, activities and events, or even dates.

This marks the fifth ITNAmerica affiliate to open its doors to seniors and their families; others include Portland, Maine, Orlando, Fla., Lexington, Ky., and Charleston, S.C. Six more affiliates are scheduled to open across the country in coming months.

To learn more about safe driving and transportation alternatives for seniors, visit http://www.libertymutual.com/seniordriving, a website launched in partnership between Liberty Mutual and ITNAmerica that hosts tips and resources for seniors and their families including suggestions on ways to start the conversation with loved ones.

"We strive to provide the resources seniors and their families need to make responsible driving decisions," said Greg Gordon, Liberty Mutual senior vice president of Consumer Marketing.

"Liberty Mutual will help the Los Angeles community and ITNGreaterLA to elevate this issue and provide actionable resources for seniors and their families to make good, safe transportation decisions."