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CityServe of the Tri-Valley announced its multi-year grant award of $1 million from the Alameda County Transportation Commission that will go toward kickstarting the nonprofit’s new RideCare initiative dedicated to providing reliable transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities.
“RideCare will connect Tri-Valley volunteer drivers with those in need of transportation, coordinating rides to medical appointments, grocery runs, and other planned and group trips throughout the Tri-Valley”, CityServe officials said in a recent press release.
“RideCare is more than just a transportation service; it’s a lifeline for older adults and individuals with disabilities in the Tri-Valley. By offering free, door-through-door rides, we are empowering our community members with the mobility they need to access vital resources and live with dignity,” CityServe CEO Christine Beitsch-Bahmani told the Pleasanton Weekly.
CityServe officials said they intend to launch RideCare in August 2025.
“This vulnerable population has difficulty when they secure rides through other ride services that make them wait on the street or outside, especially during inclement weather. CityServe of the Tri-Valley clients tell staff that other ride services turn one appointment into a whole-day affair with long waits for the transportation service before and after their appointment,” Beitsch-Bahmani stated.
Beitsch-Bahmani said she also recognizes these discrepancies over a national scale, “because our nation’s investments in transportation infrastructure have disproportionately favored cars and highways, those who cannot afford cars or do not drive cars often lack viable transportation options.”
“Of the nearly 2 million people with disabilities who never leave their homes, 560,000 never leave home because of transportation difficulties,” she added. “This program aims to connect them to vital community resources that may improve their financial stability, basic needs, sense of community, physical health, emotional health/well being, and vocational/education opportunities.”
CityServe’s previous Vast Transportation Program will remain active and enhanced by the grant. Tri-Valley residents with desire to volunteer can reach RideCare at ridecare@cityserveserves.org.
