Q: Who is eligible for Ride Connection Services?
A: Ride Connection services are primarily for older adults (aged 60 and over) and people with disabilities. In rural Washington County, the services are available to the general public and we provide services for low income job seekers & wage earners.
Q: What is the cost of the service?
A: There is no charge for most of our services; however, some charges apply for our rural Washington County services. Donations are greatly appreciated and needed.
Q: What are the hours of services? What area do you serve?
A: Services vary by partner; however, the general time period is 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. Ride Connection and the network of partners provide services in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.
Q: Does Ride Connection just provide door to door services?
A: No, Ride Connection has a wide range of services to fit each individual’s needs; from lending our vehicles to community organizations when they are not in service to providing RideAbout shuttles in several neighborhoods for shopping.
Q: What is RideWise?
A: RideWise provides travel training and a variety of other mobility supports to older adults and people with disabilities within the tri-county area, working with individuals and groups on the skills they need to travel independently and safely on public transportation.
Q: How do I access any of Ride Connection services?
A: Call the Ride Connection Service Center at 503.226.0700.
Q: Where does Ride Connection’s funding come from?
A: Ride Connection receives funding from TriMet and through federal and state grants from Oregon Department of Transportation. Ride Connection also receives other private foundation grants and both corporate and individual donations.
Q: What is the difference between Ride Connection and TriMet LIFT?
A: TriMet’s LIFT program is a required program under the American with Disabilities Act and is for individuals whose disability prevents them from using public transportation for some or all of their trips. Ride Connection provides services to anyone who is 60 and older and anyone who has a temporary or permanent disability who is in need of reliable and accessible transportation.
Q: Who does the service?
A: Ride Connection provides direct service and also coordinates and collaborates the transportation services of over 30 community service partners. In the network, there are over 600 drivers, 2/3 of whom are volunteers. Some examples of the partners in the Ride Connection network are American Red Cross, Metropolitan Family Service’s Project Linkage Program, American Cancer Society, and Transportation Reaching People.
Q. What is the time commitment for volunteering?
A. Time commitments vary from partner to partner. There are opportunities for people to drive an hour a week to driving a whole day to whatever is convenient for them.
Q. Do I drive my own vehicle or one of Ride Connection’s?
A. There are opportunities to do both.
Q. How does insurance work?
A. Volunteer drivers when driving their own vehicle are covered first by their own insurance, then by Ride Connection’s “non-owned and hired” coverage. If you drive one of Ride Connection’s vehicles, you will be covered under our policy.
Q. Are there any opportunities aside from driving?
A. Ride Connection also has many non-driving volunteer opportunities. These options include helping with advocacy and fundraising, serving as a concierge-escort, leading a Rider’s Club, and serving on committees.
Q. Do you need a special driver’s license?
A. No.
Q. Can I drive in my neighborhood?
A. Yes! We have programs and partners throughout our tri-county area and most likely there will be an opportunity to drive in your neighborhood.