A new Volunteer Driver Program was launched in Davis and Weber Counties. The innovative program provides a unique mobility option to people who need it most.
The goal of the pilot Volunteer Driver Program is to improve quality of life by assisting seniors and persons with disabilities find modes of transportation. The Volunteer Driver Program allows eligible participants to arrange rides with a driver of their choice.
The Volunteer Driver Program is a partnership between the Davis County Health Department Senior Services, Weber Human Services, Roads To Independence, and Utah Transit Authority. Funding sources include Proposition 1, a grant from the Federal Transit Administration and for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities and partner contributions.
“Transit is particularly important to those who might not have any other means to get around or to those who may not have the ability to use a personal automobile,” said UTA CEO Jerry Benson. “In reality, the public transit authority isn’t the only entity offering transportation services to those who need it. Most communities have multiple agencies and organizations offering transportation services for a variety of needs. Several years ago, some of these agencies and UTA opted to join together and combine their resources to offer more transportation solutions to more people.”
The Volunteer Driver Voucher program debuting today is one of those solutions. UTA has worked with local agencies and organizations in Davis and Weber counties to design a program that would meet very specific local needs. The program allows participants to arrange a ride with any driver of their choice, that can even be a friend or family member, and then the driver can be reimbursed for the mileage cost of the trip. The program provides flexibility for people to schedule transportation in a way that best meets their individual needs.
“For a number of reasons, including neighborhood layout, road conditions, or population density factors, transit can’t serve every location. However, this program helps extend the transit system by providing access to locations not easily served by UTA. We enjoy great collaboration with the local communities in Davis and Weber counties, and we’re grateful for all of their support with this project,” said Eddy Cumins, regional general manager of the UTA Ogden Business Unit.
