Oak Ridge Today

Volunteers needed for new MyRide Oak Ridge Senior Transportation Program

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A training session for MyRide Oak Ridge Senior Transportation Program is pictured above at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)

The new MyRide Oak Ridge Senior Transportation Program is hosting its third Volunteer Driver Information and Training Session from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, August 17, at the Oak Ridge Senior Center.

MyRide Oak Ridge began with a “soft launch” in the spring and provided its first ride on April 12, a press release said. Through the program, volunteers will use their personal vehicles to drive seniors to doctor appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential destinations.

The program allows seniors to keep some of their independence while still participating in social activities like going to church, playing bingo at the Senior Center, or volunteering, the press release said.

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Oak Ridge announces new senior transportation program

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The City of Oak Ridge and Oak Ridge Senior Center are working to implement a new transportation program for senior citizens. The program, called “MyRide Oak Ridge,” has already provided its first ride with the full program set to roll out soon, a press release said on Friday, April 12, 2019. Pictured above are Bob Smallridge, Senior Advisory Board vice chair; Linda McGhee, Oak Ridge Senior Center manager; Denise West, ETHRA/ETAAAD SVTN region coordinator; Marty Adler-Jasny, Senior Advisory Board member; Pat Gengozian, volunteer driver and Senior Advisory Board chair; Willie Wade, rider; Jon Hetrick, City of Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks director. (Photo by City of Oak Ridge)

The City of Oak Ridge and Oak Ridge Senior Center are working to implement a new transportation program for senior citizens. The program, called “MyRide Oak Ridge,” has already provided its first ride with the full program set to roll out soon, a press release said.

On Friday afternoon, April 12, local senior Willie Wade was driven by Pat Gengozian, chair of the Oak Ridge Senior Advisory Board and the program’s first volunteer driver.

The City of Oak Ridge has offered transportation help to its senior population since 1974. Due to changes in grant reporting procedures from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the current taxi coupon program will be ending June 30. When fully operational, the new MyRide Oak Ridge program will allow for a new way to provide this assistance, the press release said.

The program includes door-through-door service provided by volunteer drivers in their own vehicles. This service helps seniors be more independent by allowing them to take trips to the grocery store, social events, and medical appointments, the press release said. It will also allow volunteers to accompany seniors into the store or doctor’s office, if needed, as well as help carry in groceries or other items.

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