In a press release on March 9, Urban/Rural Rides – Transport Urbain/Rural announced that they will begin offering affordable volunteer-based services for seniors living in the communities of Cambridge-Narrows, Hanwell, Kingsclear, and Oromocto with an expected start date of March 22.
They have planned an official launch at Hanwell Place, located at 5 Nature Park Drive in Hanwell at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome.
“The goal of Urban/Rural Rides is to provide access to transportation to those who need it, but the service goes beyond transportation. It is also about community connections, reducing
isolation and stress, helping seniors age in place and enhancing our communities by providing transportation to access life needs and services,” said Kelly Taylor, Executive Manager of Urban/Rural Rides.
The expansion of services comes from the support of Greater Fredericton Social Innovation’s (GFSI) Community Inclusion Network. GFSI, “is a network of concerned organizations, agencies, and individuals working cooperatively and collaboratively to make Fredericton and its environs the best possible community in which to live, work, raise families, and play.”
Their vision is, “to relieve poverty and benefit the community of Greater Fredericton by providing social planning to advance comprehensive community strategies guided by research, analysis and community defined goals.”
GFSI Coordinator Susanne White stated, “our organization’s focus is on finding ways to build inclusion for folks struggling on low incomes and one of the biggest struggles is in finding affordable transportation solutions. As such, GFSI is excited to be partnering with UR to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation service for seniors needing rides to essential services like medical appointments. This service will support seniors wishing to live at home and enrich the lives of the volunteers who serve them.”
Urban/Rural Rides – Transport Urbain/Rural has been operating for over eight years in Westmorland and Albert Counties of New Brunswick and is a registered charity in Canada. They currently serve the Westmorland and Albert Counties in New Brunswick.
Ride fees are based on the distance traveled. Urban/Rural Rides – Transport Urbain/Rural charges a nominal fee for rides and also offers a subsidized rate for low income individuals and families.
Individuals who are interested in joining Urban/Rural Rides – Transport Urbain/Rural as a volunteer driver must be 21-years-old or older, possess a valid New Brunswick driver’s license, have an RCMP background check, and possess a registered vehicle that is clean and has valid safety inspections.
Individuals living in the newly added areas who wish to volunteer their services as a driver or use the service can contact the Fredericton Ride Coordinator at 506-999-2102, via email at gfaurbanruralrides@gmail.com, or find more information on the website http://urbanruralrides.ca.