The first selectman’s office has announced an expansion of the Rural Independent Transportation Service, a program that provides free transportation to the elderly and disabled for non-emergency medical trips.

Anyone over 60, or of any age and disabled, who needs a ride from Norfolk to a medical facility for scheduled treatment (for example, dialysis, radiation, pulmonary rehabilitation) or a return trip to Norfolk from a medical facility, simply needs to call the Northwest Transit District (860-489-2535) with at least 48 hours advance to arrange a ride.

This applies even to medical facilities outside the immediate area, such as Yale New Haven and UConn Medical Center. Door-to-door service is generally available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The program began on Jan. 2 and is supported by federal transportation funds, channeled through the Northwest Hills Council of Government.