Volunteer Transportation Program

To request a ride, call (866) 623-7505, option 2

The Volunteer Transportation Program helps older adults and eligible community members get to important destinations when other transportation options are not available or accessible. Transportation is provided by volunteer drivers using their own personal vehicles. To safely use the service, participants should be able to get in and out of the vehicle on their own.

Rides may be available for:

• Medical appointments
• Grocery shopping
• Social services
• Community activities
• Friendly visits
• Other essential errands

Participants may qualify for the program if they:

• Are 60 years of age or older
• Have medical transportation coverage through their insurance (such as Medicaid or Medical Assistance)
• Receive transportation support through a county waiver program

If this is your first time using the program, our team will schedule a home visit at your convenience to complete a short intake, answer questions, and review program guidelines, including any applicable cost-share for services.

Rides are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please give a minimum of 72-hour advanced notice for all rides.

While we cannot guarantee that every ride request can be accommodated, our team is committed to working diligently to connect participants with available volunteer drivers whenever possible.

Volunteer transportation operates as a cost-share program. Cost share amounts are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines and will be discussed during the intake process.

If using insurance (including Medical Assistance) the rider is responsible for contacting the insurance company directly to request transportation before a ride can be scheduled with us.

Our volunteer drivers generously donate their time, and participants are kindly asked not to exchange money or gifts directly with them as our drivers cannot accept tips. Donations supporting the program may be made directly to Three Rivers.

For the safety of both participants and volunteer drivers:

• Drivers are not permitted to enter your residence or accompany you to an appointment.
• Riders must be able to enter and exit the vehicle with minimal assistance.
• At this time, the program does not offer rides that can accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices that require accessible vehicles.
• If additional support is needed, a caregiver or aide should accompany the rider.
• Volunteer drivers are not medical professionals and cannot provide hands-on care or lifting assistance.

To better manage volunteer resources and ensure rides remain available for the community, the program is only able to provide one-way transportation for medical procedures or surgeries. We are happy to provide transportation to the appointment, however participants will need to arrange their own ride home following the procedure.

Our goal is to make transportation easier, safer, and more accessible for the people we serve. Questions about accommodations or rider needs are always welcome. Please contact us with any questions or to see if the program may be a good fit for you or a loved one.

Volunteer drivers help older adults and community members in Goodhue, Rice, and Wabasha counties get to important destinations when other transportation options are unavailable or inaccessible.

Drivers use their own vehicle and choose when and where they would like to volunteer, making this a flexible and rewarding opportunity to support neighbors in the community.

Find out why one current driver told us “…I think of the many happy moments that I have had and the fine people I have shared them with.  I have enjoyed being able to meet so many wonderful people.  Thank you guys for making this possible for me…”

Volunteer drivers help reduce isolation, increase independence, and connect people to their communities while building meaningful relationships along the way.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide safe, reliable transportation to passengers for medical appointments and other essential activities
• Offer a friendly, compassionate presence for passengers, helping them feel comfortable and cared for
• Maintain simple, basic trip records and mileage for program reporting and reimbursements
• Communicate with program staff regarding schedules, updates or passenger needs

Benefits of Volunteering Include:

• A sense of personal satisfaction through meaningful volunteer work
• Mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate
• Opportunities to meet new people and build lasting connections
• Flexible scheduling and preferred travel areas

Read how volunteer drivers are helping community members stay connected across southeastern Minnesota in the recent Minnesota Star Tribune feature.

• Drivers at least 21 years of age
• A clean driving record and ability to pass background checks
• Reliable vehicle and auto insurance
• Commitment to punctuality, safety and compassion
• Friendly, patient, and community-minded individuals

• Call toll free at (866) 623-7505, option 2
• Email: VTRides@threeriverscap.org
• Download a volunteer driver application 

Three Rivers Community Action’s Volunteer Transportation Services are supported through a combination of federal, state, local, and community funding sources, including the Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging. Additionally, this program was supported, in part, by a Live Well at Home grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Jennifer Larson, Executive Director, and Megan Meyer, Volunteer Transportation Program Lead, directly manage and oversee this Grant. To reach either, please email  info@threeriverscap.org or call  (507) 316-0610 or (800) 277-8418.