Ride Connection

Mission
To link accessible, responsive transportation with community needs.

To create independence and community connections through the gift of mobility.

The story of Ride Connection is one of evolution and collaboration; of identifying transportation needs and filling them; of recognizing opportunities and building upon those opportunities. Ride Connection is the center of the wheel that moves throughout our communities, offering essential transportation in a coordinated, collaborative, stable and reliable manner, keeping older adults and people with disabilities independent and mobile.

In the mid 1980s a citizen committee recommended that a volunteer program could best meet the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Ride Connection was incorporated as a private nonprofit in May 1988 with a vision to serve this population with a more adaptable, accessible service than traditional mass transit.

Ride Connection and its service partner network have evolved from a limited provider of volunteer transportation services, to a major provider in the provision of transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in the tri-county area. The relationship between TriMet, the provider of public transportation in the metro area and Ride Connection represents a unique blending of public and private resources and serves as a model of effective regional cooperation and collaboration.

Ride Connection Network has grown from providing just over 11,700 rides in its first year to providing over 370,000 rides annually. During this period Ride Connection’s network of community based transportation partners has grown from six partners to over 30 in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Ride Connection also has offices in Gresham and in Forest Grove.

On-going opportunities to serve as a volunteer driver or volunteer escort.

Volunteer Driver Position Summary:

Provide necessary transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in the tri-county area who are unable to drive and access public transportation for various needs, often for life-sustaining purposes.  Volunteer drivers provide transportation in a Ride Connection vehicle or in their own personal vehicle to medical/dental appointments, shopping, volunteering and other personal business.  This service enables these individuals to continue to live independent, quality lives.               

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

§  Transport customers to and from destinations in a safe and efficient manner.

§  Provide assistance, as appropriate.

§  Drive the vehicle with safety concerns being paramount.

§  Follow scheduled trips assigned by the partner agency’s Transportation Coordinator.

§  Ensure seatbelt(s) are securely fitted prior to starting to drive the vehicle.

§  Provide assistance to passengers including the operation of the passenger’s wheelchair.

§  Ensure that loose items, shopping bags and other items are secured using appropriate restraints.

§  Keep accurate records of miles driven, volunteer hours incurred and other vital information.

§  Comply with relevant road laws and regulations and general safety standards, including reporting injuries and vehicle damage or malfunction.

Time Commitment:

§  Time commitment is flexible and variable.  This may depend on the service partner’s needs and requirements. Shift times are generally about four to eight hours a month.  Currently the service is offered during the daytime hours and possibly could be accomplished during one’s lunch hour.

Physical Requirements:

§  Able to pass a physical with a drug and/or alcohol screening, if required.

§  Able to pass a criminal background check.

§  Able to keep all information confidential.

Qualifications/Requirements:

§  Possess a sincere desire to offer outstanding customer service at all times.

§  Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

§  Possess a valid driver’s license with five years driving experience.

§  Possess an excellent driving record as recorded by the Oregon State Department of Vehicles.

§  Possess past experiences and interest in supporting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

§  Possess current vehicle insurance.

§  Be in good physical and mental health to safely operate a motor vehicle in support of the customers and the partner agencies.

§  Able to keep all information confidential.

§  Able to reliable and punctual.

§  Attend required and appropriate training sessions.

§  Notify the partner agency’s transportation coordinator if unable to meet the driving commitments.

Ride Connection will provide you with the following:

§  Recognition for quality volunteer efforts.

§  Opportunities to learn.

§  Mileage reimbursement may be offered.