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What is Greater Mercer Ride Provide?
Greater Mercer Ride Provide is a nonprofit community-based transportation service for
seniors (65+) and visually impaired adults within Mercer County. Members can use the
service to maintain their independence and remain active members of the community
when they are no longer able or choose not to drive. The service began in October 2006
with our First Ride Day event featuring mayors and other dignitaries from the thirteen
Mercer County municipalities (see our photo gallery for pictures). Ride Provide tries to
use volunteer drivers to provide the rides whenever possible. The more volunteers we
have the more seniors and visually impaired adults we can help.
How does the service work?
To book a ride with Greater Mercer Ride Provide you must be a member. Annual
membership is $35 for individuals or $50 for family memberships. Members set up
transportation accounts with Ride Provide so they never have to worry about carrying
cash and drivers never have to collect ride fees. Tipping is not permitted. We ask that all
members book reservations at least two business days in advance. This two-day-rule
gives us the time we need to contact volunteer drivers to find someone available to
provide your ride.
How do the ride fees work?
Ride fees are based on a zone system. Each zone is roughly equal to one municipality in
Mercer County. When traveling within a zone the fee is $6, when traveling to a
neighboring zone the fee is $10, when traveling to a further zone the ride fee is $15. All
rides are one way rides. There is a $5 extra fee for rides before 8 am and after 8 pm
because it is difficult for us to find drivers for those times. Members can get a 15%
discount by ride sharing. (For more information on ride fees, please call our offices at
609-452-5140 and request an information packet.)
What if I cannot afford the ride fees?
We have a limited number of scholarships available for qualified applicants. Contact our
offices to find out more.
Is there a limit to where or how often I can use the service?
No. Ride Provide never restricts trip purpose or frequency within our service area.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers are the backbone of the Ride Provide organization. We have positions
available for volunteer drivers as well as a few volunteer positions in our office taking
ride reservations over the phone. Volunteer drivers can choose which days, hours and
area they would like to drive. Some volunteers drive once a week while others drive
once a month. We have many rides during the day, some in the evenings and some on
weekends, allowing everyone to find a time that can fit into their schedule. Volunteering
does not take all day but rather an hour or so and can be fit around your existing
schedule. We keep volunteers in their own towns as much as possible not sending them
across the county to do a ride. Office volunteers are also needed to help us take
reservations in our Princeton offices. Office volunteers must be able to commit to the
same schedule one day or more a week and be computer savvy. (For more information
on volunteering, please contact our offices.)
How are volunteers reimbursed?
Volunteers accumulate points when they drive which they can redeem for a gas card,
donate to the account of a member to help them pay for transportation or donate back to
Ride Provide.
Is there an age limit for volunteers?
All our volunteers must be at least 21 years old and have clean driving records. There is
no upper age limit for qualified volunteer drivers.
What about donations?
Between insurance, gas, vehicle maintenance and staff, it is very expensive to run a
transportation service in New Jersey. Ride Provide appreciates donations of money, gas
cards or office supplies. All gifts will be acknowledged unless otherwise requested.
Can you make a presentation to my organization/club?
We love to talk about Ride Provide. Contact our offices and we will be happy to come to
your meeting to tell your members about our service and our volunteer program.
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