The Transportation Department of Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency has unveiled a new senior-friendly, volunteer-based program designed to provide additional transportation opportunities to residents 60 and older.
MyRide Upper Cumberland is a volunteer-based transportation program, focusing on providing “door-through-door” service to seniors and simultaneously increasing independence for those clients. MyRide programs already exist in numerous regions within the state.
MyRide is designed for seniors who are able to walk on their own or with the assistance of a cane or walker. Trained, caring volunteers assist clients with getting to and from appointments and errands. Differing from traditional transportation services, volunteer drivers will assist clients to and from the vehicle, to their destination – the door-through-door component.
By offering a more personalized transportation option, MyRide Upper Cumberland allows clients to maintain a level of independence that may have otherwise been difficult to achieve and provides families peace of mind knowing their loved ones are being assisted by trained and monitored volunteers.
In order to receive MyRide services, clients pay a $25 annual membership fee. This annual fee includes the cost of the first three trips. Additional trips thereafter cost $2 each and $1 per each additional stop requested. All trips are pre-paid and volunteers collect no money.
A ribbon cutting ceremony, officially kicking off the new program, is slated for today at 1 p.m. at the Cookeville Senior Center.
