GRTC CARE and CARE Plus
GRTC CARE and CARE Plus provide origin to destination shared-ride paratransit for eligible people with disabilities who are unable to use GRTC fixed-route buses for some or all of their travel. CARE is available at times and in areas where GRTC fixed-route buses operate and CARE Plus is available in portions of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield Counties where GRTC buses do not operate.
Currently, the GRTC contracts with National Express Transit who accepts trip requests from eligible CARE customers, schedules trips and provides most CARE trips using a fleet of approximately 90 wheelchair-accessible vans which are silver and bear the GRTC logo. National Express subcontracts with UZURV to provide CARE trips during times when GRTC vehicles are unavailable, when service demand is high, and/or for passengers and/or at times and in locations best served by UZURV’s Adaptive TNC service model.
For more information about GRTC CARE and CARE Plus, including eligibility requirements and the process for applying, service area, hours of operation, fares and other program details, visit the GRTC CARE website, or call GRTC CARE at (804) 782-CARE (2273).
GRTC Care on Demand
CARE On-Demand is a premium service available for older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for CARE services—described above. CARE On-Demand provides pre-scheduled or same-day direct (no-sharing) door-to-door trips for eligible riders traveling within those portions of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield Counties where the GRTC provides CARE and CARE Plus service. UZURV is one of two providers delivering CARE On-Demand service on behalf of the GRTC. CARE On-Demand trips cost $7 for up to six miles with an additional charge of $1.15 per mile for longer trips. Because fares can vary, the provider will provide the fare to be charged when the trip is booked. Fares may be paid with credit or debit card, but not with cash or CARE passes or tickets. For more information about CARE On-Demand, including eligibility requirements, service area, days and hours of service and contact information for other CARE On-Demand providers, visit the CARE On-Demand website or call the GRTC at (804) 782-CARE (2273).
Hanover DASH
Thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Hanover County offers direct door-to-door transportation for eligible County residents who are 60 and above or those with a short or long term disability. Service is available throughout Hanover County and to areas within seven miles of the county line. Service is available Monday through Saturday between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and costs $8.00 per one-way trip. For more information about Hanover DASH, including eligibility requirements, reservations requirements and other policies, visit the Hanover DASH website or call (804) 365-3274.
Chesterfield County Access On-Demand
UZURV provides pre-scheduled and same day door-to-door transportation for eligible older adults and people with disabilities traveling within Chesterfield County and for those who need to go beyond Chesterfield County for work and non-emergency medical services. Service is available at a cost of $6 per trip for all customers, including those who can ride in a standard sedan or SUV and for those who need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Service is available Monday through Saturday for any purpose and on Sundays for work and medical services only. For more information, including eligibility requirements and service policies and procedures, visit the Chesterfield County Access On-Demand website. Customers can also call Chesterfield Mobility Services at (804) 706-2796 or send an email to MobilityServices@Chesterfield.gov.
How UZURV Moves People in and Around Greater Richmond
UZURV was established to provide safe, high-quality door-to-door services for older adults and people with disabilities, including those who need wheelchair-accessible service. Here is what riders can expect.
Who Can Use UZURV?
UZURV provides door-to-door transportation with a team of credentialed and specially trained drivers who operate their own personal vehicles—much like other Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). UZURV is also able to accommodate customers who need wheelchair-accessible service. Before providing trips, UZURV drivers pass a nationwide background check, a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) compliant substance abuse test, and must demonstrate knowledge of appropriate techniques for transporting people with disabilities and older adults.
Any customer who is safely able to use traditional paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation services should be able to utilize UZURV.
Standard Service
Customers who can safely board and ride in sedans or Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and customers who use manual wheelchairs and walkers that can be stored in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area and who can safely transfer to the seat of the vehicle with minimal assistance should be able to use standard service. Please note. UZURV drivers are able to assist with the storage of mobility devices upon request.
Wheelchair-Accessible Service
Customers who use mobility devices that cannot be stored in a vehicle’s trunk or cargo area and customers who cannot safely transfer to the seat of a standard UZURV vehicle can request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). All of our Richmond area programs provide WAV service, but the Chesterfield County Access On-Demand program has slightly different service hours and reservations requirements for WAV service, so WAV customers using that service should plan accordingly.
How Many Passengers can UZURV Accommodate?
Because UZURV is a sedan-based service, we can accommodate the rider and two additional passengers. Presently, passengers are prohibited from sitting in the front seats of any vehicle.
Can UZURV Transport Children?
UZURV will transport children as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult who is at least eighteen years of age. In accordance with Virginia state law, children under the age of eight and/or less than four feet, nine inches in height must be in an approved child safety seat which is provided by the rider.
UZURV drivers are prohibited from lifting or carrying children.
Traveling with a Service Animal?
UZURV welcomes passengers with service animals and has a zero-tolerance policy for any driver who knowingly denies access to a customer traveling with a service animal. A service animal must be under the physical or verbal control of its handler at all times and must sit or lie on the floor of the vehicle at all times. For more information, check out “Respecting Riders with Service Animals”.
What About Mobility Devices?
As stated above, UZURV is able to transport customers using mobility devices. Customers who can safely transfer from their manual wheelchair or walker into the passenger seat of a sedan or SUV with minimal assistance, and whose manual wheelchair or walker can be stored in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area can use standard UZURV service. All other customers using mobility devices should request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV).
What Assistance Will Drivers Provide?
UZURV drivers are trained to provide door-to-door assistance. Specific tasks that drivers will provide are listed below. If you need any other assistance, contact the program providing your service for assistance.
Drivers will:
- Meet you at the outermost door of the home or business where you plan to begin your trip. (UZURV drivers will not go beyond the outermost door of any home or larger building, so be ready in a location where your driver can find you easily.)
- Greet you by name and announce that they are your UZURV driver.
- Assist you to the vehicle if you request. Assistance may include guiding you to and from the vehicle using Human Guide Technique, providing a supportive arm or shoulder, pushing your manual wheelchair and/or providing verbal guidance along the way.
- Open and close the vehicle door.
- Provide assistance with the vehicle seatbelt if needed.
- Fold and store a walker or manual wheelchair in the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area.
- Provide assistance from the vehicle to the outermost door of your destination upon request.
Commenting on Service
Procedures for commenting on service vary. If you have a comment, compliment or complaint about service, contact the program providing your service.
Lost and Found
If you believe you have left an item inside your UZURV vehicle, contact the call center for assistance. We will do our best to locate and return your item to you as soon as possible.
Chesterfield County Access on Demand Call Center: (804) 655-0255
GRTC Care On Demand Call Center: (804) 499-3400
Hanover DASH Call Center: (804) 299-4367