Ride Connection offers the following innovative programs to increase mobility options for members of our communities.
Shared and Retired Vehicle Program
A vehicle for your event
The shared vehicle program was implemented in order to utilize our vehicles to their full potential. By offering up a vehicle to agencies and groups when they are not in use, we maximize the opportunities to serve our community members with reliable transportation.
We provide the vehicle and the necessary driver training and your agency provides the driver. Our buses and vans seat up to 15 people so your driver is not required to have a special license. Whether it is a monthly, weekly or one-time event, we would love to assist you in accessing the right vehicle for your trip(s).
Retired Vehicle Program
A few years ago, Ride Connection began a program to place retired vehicles with community organizations throughout Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Nonprofit organizations as well as government entities and jurisdictions serving people with disabilities and/or individuals over the age of 60 are eligible to apply to receive a retired vehicle. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible and applications are accepted year-round.
How do I apply?
Applications are processed on a continual basis as TriMet informs us that vehicles are ready for distribution. Applications may be given priority based on when they were received, so be sure to apply as soon as possible. Click here to download the application form. Electronic applications must be followed by a hard copy containing the appropriate certification signatures.
Send completed applications to:
Scott Gates
Ride Connection
3030 SW Moody Ave, Suite 230
Portland, OR 97201
Questions?
For more information, contact Scott Gates by email at sgates@rideconnection.org or by phone at 503.528.1733.
Transit Boards
Ride Connection works with community organizations, senior/community centers, and apartment complexes to promote transportation options near each site. Each transit board is customized to each site to include a map of the closest bus stops, a list of local destinations that can be reached without making a transfer, information on the RideWise program, and brochures and information about local bus lines and community transportation services. For more information or get a Transit Board at your site, please contact Cora Potter at 503.528.1727 or cpotter@rideconnection.org.
Ride Connection's newest program empowers riders to recruit their own drivers and, as an incentive, the drivers are reimbursed for their miles. This program allows our customers to schedule their rides directly with their drivers at times that works for both! Our Ride Together program is available in Multnomah and Washington Counties for older adults and people with disabilities. For more information contact us or call us at 503.226.0700.
Ride Connection would like to thank Helen Kerschner, Richard Smith and the TRIP organization of Riverside, California for their invaluable input, guidance and use of materials in the process of creating the Ride Together program.
FareShare
Ride Connection's FareShare program will provide matching funds to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations to supplement funding used to purchase transit fare for Older Adults and People with Disabilities.
Ride Connection’s newest program was created to encourage human service agencies and community non-profit partners to include transportation for older adults and people with disabilities in their program planning, funding applications and program operational budgets. For more information click here and for the application click here.