Getting in the driver's seat with your transportation program!

Welcome! If you are interested in establishing a volunteer transportation program (VTP) in your community or region, you have come to the right place!  These pages provide guidance as to those things that need to be considered as you launch your program; our Volunteer Transportation Manual is also available as a PDF for download.

It has been determined by many communities in rural Maine that the number one need for older Mainers is transportation. With family members spread out across the country, health care provision often many miles away and people giving up their driving licenses as they age, there is a profound lack of accessible transportation. Independent living in our rural state requires affordable access to transportation. In addition to attaining health care, rural residents may be without access to groceries, social activities, mental health care and other service provision.  

As you begin your journey to set up a successful, safe and sustainable transportation program, you can explore the three categories of resources below for detailed guidance on planning, building, and launching a VTP.  You will find many sample materials in the appendix to assist you in this process. Feel free to use any and all forms that suit your needs.

Rev your engines and get ready to roll!

Mary Beth Paquette, Lifelong Maine Transportation Fellow, UMaine Center on Aging

Barbara Wentworth, Lifelong Maine Transportation Fellow, UMaine Center on Aging