The MyRide Bedford program, implemented in late 2019 in Bedford County, has proven to be an important lifeline for many Bedford County citizens during an uncertain age – but with the distraction of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of those who might benefit still aren’t aware of the program or taking advantage of it.
MyRide Bedford, part of the MyRide TN initiative, is a volunteer-based rideshare program for seniors 60 and over. The program provides transportation, and as a result of the pandemic it now offers pickup and delivery services so that seniors themselves don’t have to leave the home.
MyRide Bedford is managed by Shelbyville-Bedford County Senior Citizens Center.
Riders pay a $25 annual membership fee and then pay $4 per round trip, plus $1 for each additional stop. The first-round trip is included in the membership fee.
The program is ideal for those whose mobility issues might keep them from using the public transportation vans which have long been operated by the Senior Citizens Center. The rides are provided by volunteers. Volunteers must have background checks and complete training to serve in the program. They are unpaid but do receive mileage reimbursement based on the state rate for volunteers. Volunteers can help the rider out to the vehicle if necessary.
With the outbreak of COVID, the program now offers to pick up and deliver orders from local merchants without the senior citizen having to leave home. If the senior is unable to place an online order on their own, the MyRide coordinator can place an order for them and will shred their payment information once the order has been placed.
All MyRide rides are pre-paid and the volunteer drivers do not handle or accept any money from the senior citizen.
For more information about the program, call at 931-703-0286 or the Senior Citizens Center at 931-684-0019.
Photo: August 21 was MyRide Day in Bedford County
