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Shelley Osterloh reporting There comes a time for most older drivers to hang up the car keys. But it's difficult to give up the independence and convenience of driving.
A new transportantion service might offer some solutions to those who don't want to drive.
It's Corrine Snow's 80th birthday and she has a little shopping to do. Toni Makeoff often picks up Snow for errands. Toni is a professional driver with a new private transportation company called My Car Service.
Anytime Corrine wants a ride, she calls Toni. As much as possible, the company sends the same driver every time in an unmarked comfortable sedan. The drivers, all women, are bonded, background checked and drug tested. Most are certified nursing assistants.
Corrine says she was afraid to take a taxi, but feels comfortable with a driver she knows.
Corrine Snow: "We hit it off right away. She's great and reliable and a pleasure to be with. So, it's working out better than I could have imagined."
Toni Makeoff, Driver, My Car Service: "It makes you feel good. You get the warm fuzzies because you feel like at the end of the day, you've done something to someone's life."
Not only does it help seniors preserve their dignity and independence, but it might also help their adult children and other family members who may not always have time to give them a ride.
Toni Makeoff, Driver, My Car Service: "I think her daughter feels very comfortable that Corrine has.. it's kind of freed her daughter up and it's given Corrine the opportunity to really take charge of her own life and doing things."
The cost per round trip ranges from $11 to $30 depending on the monthly package you buy. Corrine says its worth it.
Corrine Snow: "I feel very, very lucky."
Clients of "My Car Service" can interview their drivers to see which one they feel most comfortable with. They can also take extra passengers with them if they choose.
