Link TRIP-Link and TranCare

Link Transit has designated funding for a unique volunteer driver mileage reimbursement program,  called TRIP-Link. It is for residents in Chelan and most of Douglas counties, who have no other means of transportation, are 65 + years old or disabled.  This program is specifically for people living outside Link Transit (and Link Plus) current service area.

How does TRIP LINK work? TRIP-Link is different than most transportation services because it does not recruit drivers, schedule rides, own vehicles, or charge fees. The involvement of both the rider and volunteer driver result in self-management and increased self-esteem. The rider recruits an eligible driver who is a friend or neighbor and familiar with the rider. Mileage is reimbursed to the rider which is then given to the driver. The rational is that riders will be more likely to ask for a ride if they are not asking for charity. The exchange gives the rider the promise of giving something in return and promotes a sense of independence at the same time meeting a critical need. Drivers are then reimburse allowing them to provide assistance to their friend or neighbor in need.

The organization administering the program benefits from lower costs and liability. TranCare is a 501c(3) was established in 1969. TranCare currently acts as the subcontractor Medicaid broker for non-emergent medical transportation for Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties and now houses the volunteer driver program, TRIP-Link, a pilot volunteer driver program in partnership with Link Transit. TranCare’s mission is to improve people’s lives by providing safe, low cost and efficient volunteer transportation throughout the northwest. TranCare also administers TRIP-Link, a pilot volunteer driver program in partnership with Link Transit.

TRIP-Link is for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities living in Chelan or Douglas counties, who are unable to get where they need to go in any other way and living outside Link Transits service area. Potential riders could include people that: miss medical appointments, unable get their groceries,  are very ill or disabled without family to help, are medically compromised, no other means of transportation, unable to use public transportation. How to apply, call  TRIPLINK  (509) 664-7630.  300 South Columbia 1st Floor Wenatchee, WA 98801.  Phone: (509) 664-7630, E-mail: triplink@trancarerides.org or on the Website: Trancarerides.org

Como trabaja TRIP-Link? TRIP-Link es diferente a comparacion de otros servicios de transporte porque no recluta choferes, hace citas de viajes, es due o de vehiculos o cobra tarifas. La participacion mutual del chofer voluntario y pasajero resulta en un manejo apropriado y aumenta el auto-estima. El pasajero reclruta un chofer eligible quien es amigo o vecino y es conocido del pasajero. Las millas del chofer son reembolsadas al pasajero y entregadas al chofer. El razonamiento es que los pasajeros seran mas inclinados a pedir un viaje sin pedir favores. El intrecambio le da al pasajero independencia y la promesa de poder dar algo a cambio al chofer y al mismo tiempo ayudar con una necesidad. Los choferes luego son reembolsados por proveer asistencia a sus amigos o vecinos en necesidad. La organizacion ofreciendo el programa se beneficia de los costos bajos.
TranCare 300 South Columbia 1st Floor Wenatchee, WA 98801 Telefono: (509) 664-7630 Correo Electronico: triplink@trancarerides.org