considering a volunteer transportation program

As those of us in the age-friendly world are aware, transportation can be one of the greatest stumbling blocks for older people when it comes to accessing services, goods and social activities. While there are over 30 transportation programs in Maine that are serving 200+ communities, there is still a long way to go. Setting up a local volunteer transportation project is not as labor-intensive as you might think.

A volunteer transportation project can be as large or small as you want it to be. If the goal is to take 5 people to medical appointments per week, that is what it can be!  A volunteer (or paid) ride coordinator will need a phone and a way to track the calls & rides as well as communicate with both riders and drivers. Volunteer drivers must have a clean driving record, a car that is in good running condition and a desire to serve their community.

Once the volunteers are in place, announce to the community that the service is available. There are lots of tools here that will help with publicity. There are also forms and guidelines in the Program Manual that can be used in all aspects of a volunteer transportation project.

In addition to tools that you can access at LifelongMaine.org, your Age-Friendly Committee can request excess liability insurance for free, as well as access to software that can help you track your rides.  Reach out to Patricia Oh (patricia.oh@maine.edu) for information.

Reach out to me with any questions. I LOVE volunteer transportation!  Marybethpaquette4@gmail.com