The ability to utilize affordable and accessible transportation is critical to quality of life issues especially for people living in rural communities. In Charlotte County, as well as in many other communities in N.B, many individuals simply do not drive, do not have a vehicle or access to a vehicle, and can’t afford to hire a transportation service when needed.The Charlotte County Alternative Transportation Association http://www.charlottedialaride.com/ a registered charity, has been addressing this problem since Sept., 2005.We coordinate drive appointments
between the members needing this service, and our greatly-valued volunteer drivers. Members pay a small
yearly membership fee and modest fees for the drives based on the distance they need to travel. For example a one way drive from a member’s home to his or her destination; if it is less than 21 km, costs $4.00. We are
currently helping 120 people; the drive requests are increasing so the number of drivers needs to increase as well.
Our volunteers use their own vehicles and donate their time to provide this service to those with no access to transportation. They are compensated only for gas at .30 per km. Our volunteers are our means of operating and we desperately need more!
We are currently helping 120 people and especially need more drivers in the St. Stephen, St.George, and Blacks Harbour areas, as these are areas that have frequent drive requests.
Drives are always by appointment, and are Monday- Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Drives are sometimes very short.- eg dropping someone off at work while you are on your way to work. Volunteers are always asked if they are available to carry out a drive request. Volunteers are welcome to join us, even if availability is limited.
