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PROVO — A pilot ride-share program is available to bring reliable transportation to Provo and Orem seniors and people with disabilities.
Utah Valley Rides allows qualifying participants to schedule rides to the doctor’s office, grocery store or anywhere else they need to go.
“Our focus is with the seniors that are shut in and that don’t really have another option,” said Jim Bethel, a volunteer driver for Utah Valley Rides.
The program started in August and has slowly gained momentum, but it is in need of volunteer drivers who can work three-to-five hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Utah Valley Rides was created to fill the gap for seniors and others who don’t quite qualify for paratransit programs and can no longer drive or take public transportation without assistance.
“It’s giving people their independence back,” Bethel said.
The program is a cooperative between United Way of Utah County, Mountainland Association of Governments and Utah Transit Authority. It's funded by grants and donations.
“Four dollars per round trip, that’s a suggested donation,” Bethel said.
Rides are available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for now. Vans are equipped to transport passengers with mobility devices.
For information on the program contact Jim Bethel at 801-471-0601.
