DRIVEN

Mark Skolnick is an artist, a veteran, and an enthusiastic member of a book study at his local church in Chesterfield County, VA. However, to be a part of these communities, Mark needs transportation.

That’s where UZURV comes in.

Every weekday, UZURV Drivers give Mark rides to and from the Circle Senior Center where he creates one-of-a-kind paintings. Every Monday evening, they deliver him to church. And, on occasion, they take him to the VA hospital for care.

“The drivers are very helpful, courteous,” Mark said in a recent chat. “​​My transportation is handled with great care, as well as awareness of time and safety. I emphasize safety.”

With UZURV, Mark stays connected
UZURV is a big help to Mark’s wife Deborah Westin who teaches an hour away at Longwood University.

“I was concerned about the distance to the Circle Center for Mark. I thought, ‘How is he going to get there if I’m working?’” Deborah recalled.

Circle Senior Center told Deborah about UZURV and its partnership with Chesterfield County Mobility Services (CCMS). CCMS partially funds transportation for Chesterfield residents with disabilities.

“After I got Mark registered, it was simple. Now, I reserve his rides each month.” Deborah smiled. “It really helps our lifestyle.”

But UZURV is more than a convenience for Mark and Deborah. Accessible, affordable transportation is a lifeline to Mark’s art, faith, and community. Riding with UZURV has also provided Mark a deeper experience because of the relationships he’s created.

“Circle Center offers a measure of healing and a healthy life experience through socialization,” Mark said about his artwork and connections there.

“My conversations with UZURV Drivers are also positive human sharing. They serve the same purpose as going to Circle. I get to share with the Drivers,” he added.

Door-to-door service is key
UZURV’s door-to-door service is especially important to Mark because he has difficulty judging distances. Having a Driver who is sensitive to his needs and who escorts him to and from his destination is a vital measure of safety for him and his wife.

Alice, a nurse with Home Helpers, works with Mark during the week and sometimes accompanies him on his UZURV rides. She appreciates that the Drivers address Mark by name, take their time, and that Mark seems relaxed with them.

Rave reviews for UZURV Drivers
Mark and Deborah couldn’t be more grateful for their UZURV Drivers. They sent CCMS glowing reviews – and they’re not alone.

Tracey Clock with CCMS loves the feedback she receives about UZURV Drivers. She and her team “ghost ride” with UZURV, so they can experience the service for themselves.

“It’s scary to ride outside your comfort zone,” Clock said. “The first couple of times, I was very nervous. Will they show up? Will I be on time? Am I going to have a problem? Will they cancel at the last minute?”

But her team gave UZURV high marks. “We’ve had very good experiences with UZURV. The drivers are courteous, on time. The app tells me who they are, where they are, or if the ride’s been switched. I feel very comfortable in their vehicles. No complaints,” Clock offered.

UZURV Drivers: Providing more than transportation
Mark and his UZURV Drivers have become close. Often, they talk with each other about important things in their lives and in the lives of the people they care about.

For Mark’s Drivers, the conversations have been meaningful.

“During the last five years, I haven’t met a person more filled with gratitude than Mark,” said Driver Rick McKeel. “His attitude comes through in every single conversation you have with him – as well as his sense of humor.”

McKeel went on to say, “If you’re having a really challenging day, and he gets in the car – you completely forget about it. I end up refocusing my energy on what I should be grateful for rather than things I can’t control. That’s a pretty remarkable thing in our culture today.”

Driver Denise McManus had similar things to say: “You can’t help but smile after you’ve been around Mark. It’s a very heartwarming, pleasant experience whenever I drive him.”

“He’s not just a client,” she continued. “I feel like I’m driving a friend.”

Even more than the personal connections, UZURV Drivers see themselves as something more.

Mark’s nurse, Alice, asked one of the drivers why he worked for UZURV and not another transportation network. “He said, ‘I’m not just a transporter. I see myself as a link between giving someone the opportunity to be the best possible version of themselves.’”

What if your Rider doesn’t want physical assistance to the vehicle or the door?

Sometimes Riders will decline help when you ask the golden question:

“How may I assist you to the vehicle today?”

If your Rider doesn’t want physical assistance, door-to-door service is still required. You must walk beside them to and from the vehicle – every time.

🚙  Door-to-door service is required for every ride  🚙

A Jacksonville Rider gave full compliments to Emmanuel Gutierrez for his excellent service.

“My driver was very punctual and polite. He gave full door-to-door service, and the trip was quite pleasant. He went above and beyond all the other drivers I’ve had before!”

 

⭐  Fantastic work, Emmanuel!  ⭐

Congratulations to UZURV’s transit partners, TriMet and PSTA, for winning several 2023 Rider Choice Awards in the Transit app!

TriMet won first place for Best Communicator and Best Bus Operators, and they won second place for Best Use of a Supporting Mode for riders who use bikes, scooters, and car shares.

PSTA won second place for the On-Track Award for riders who experienced the fewest disruptions or detours.

Read more in this article. 

Christmas and New Year’s often bring schedule changes and a few holiday surprises. Here are some things to look for.

• Many UZURV programs see reduced ride volume over Christmas and New Year’s. Check your email for special holiday ride schedules.
• Fewer rides doesn’t always mean no rides. Check your Driver Feed regularly and continue to express interest.
• Holiday traffic can be hectic. Last-minute shoppers, holiday revelers, and visiting friends and family can create extra stress on roadways. Slow down around heavy traffic and pedestrians. Remember safety first – especially during peak hours.
• Some UZURV programs may experience winter weather. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for snow and ice.
  • Check tire pressure and tread for good traction.
  • Check wiper blades and washer fluid to keep your windshield clean.
  • Check your battery, especially as temperatures drop.
  • Keep your fuel tank half-full, should you get stuck in snow and ice.

Read more winter weather tips from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

We hope you have a safe and peaceful holiday season – and we look forward to working with you in the New Year!

As we begin the New Year, keep in mind important UZURV policies:

• UZURV Drivers often find meaningful and rewarding connections with their Riders. Just remember, Drivers are not permitted to exchange phone numbers or communicate with Riders outside of the UZURV platform.
• UZURV’s mission is grounded in serving our communities by providing a consistent and fair experience for everyone. For this reason, tipping is not allowed.
• UZURV Riders often face mobility challenges. That’s why door-to-door service is essential for every ride.

 

🎉  Have a safe and happy New Year!  🎉

Several Chicago Riders contacted Pace Public Transit to compliment UZURV Driver, Derek Buchelly:

“The Rider expressed her appreciation for Driver Derek Buchelly. She said he was phenomenal and it was the best ride she ever had!”

“Derek was very helpful and attentive and the Rider really appreciated his service!”

        “Derek was very kind and professional and accommodating!”

 

⭐  Way to go, Derek!  ⭐

Congratulations to Eric Eyen of Columbus, OH, the winner of UZURV’s Delicious December. Eric’s winning recipe is for COTA Buckeye Bars.

See Eric’s recipe in the UZURV Driver Facebook Community. If you aren’t a member, just click the link, answer a few questions, and join!

Eric will receive a UZURV swag bag and an Amazon gift card for his Delicious December dessert.

(But, the UZURV Richmond staff got the real prize – an opportunity to enjoy Eric’s recipe!)

 

Recently, we chatted with one of our more experienced drivers, Abdlrasaq Lawal in Jacksonville, Florida.

After retiring from the Jacksonville Transit Authority as a professional driver, Lawal realized his work wasn’t done and wanted to do more.

“I’m not supposed to sit back,” he said. “I wanted to give back to my community and driving is my hobby.”

Lawal chose UZURV because of the flexible hours. He could choose the rides he wanted, and he had a passion for providing transportation to special needs people in Jacksonville.

That was three years ago. He’s been driving ever since.

Working with UZURV is more than just being on the road. It’s also becoming acquainted with your riders – their needs and their personalities.

“For most of my rides, I know the riders and they know me,” Lawal said. “That makes it easy.”

But now and then, Lawal gets riders he doesn’t know. That’s when his years of experience as a driver helps.

“They need my service, so I learn how to work with a particular rider,” Lawal explained. “I know I can handle them.”

 

Lawal’s advice to new Drivers

Lawal wrapped up our conversation with some sound advice for new UZURV drivers.

“UZURV provides reliable transportation to all people, including those who are not able to use public transportation,” he said. “So my responsibility, before I pick up anyone, is safety.”

Lawal’s experience not only informs the way he handles riders – it also helps him manage his vehicle on the road.

“You want to know why I’m a good driver?” he asked. “I know ​​I can’t control the car in front of me. I can’t control the car behind me. I can’t control the car to the right and to the left. The only thing I can control is the wheel in front of me,” he continued.

“It is the driver’s responsibility to pay attention to what is going on around them. It’s a common-sense job if someone knows what they are doing,” Lawal went on to say.

“It’s easy and I have fun doing it.”

What a great philosophy to pass along to our new drivers, Lawal!

Achieving driving excellence takes time and practice. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you are safe and taking care of your riders.

☑️  Provide door-to-door service for every ride.
☑️  Do not use your phone while driving.
☑️  Accept all service animals – it’s the law.
☑️  Don’t share your Rider’s personal information.
☑️  Keep the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean and uncluttered.
☑️  No smoking or vaping in your vehicle.
☑️  Seat Riders in the back seat for safety. Only seat a Rider in the front if a health condition or disability makes it difficult to sit in the back.
☑️  If an accident occurs, ensure you and your Riders are safe. Then, dial 911 and contact UZURV Operations through your app.

 

👀  Always pay attention to what’s going on around you  👀

UZURV has a lot to be thankful for – and we are especially grateful for the tremendous work Drivers do.

While Riders are the heart of UZURV’s mission, UZURV Drivers are the front lines. You provide transportation for neighbors to get to work, school, doctor appointments, and so many other everyday life activities.

Just look at these numbers!

 Millions of rides in over twenty communities throughout the United States equal impact beyond measure for the people we serve.

Thank you for doing what you do and for being a vital part of UZURV’s vision for a more inclusive community and an equitable future in transportation! 

Check Holiday Hours

During major holidays, most UZURV transit partners operate with reduced ride volume and service hours, and some do not offer rides at all. Schedules usually return to normal the following day.

UZURV will communicate any changes to your program’s ride schedule. Check your email and texts for updates!

 

📩  Not getting emails? Contact support@uzurv.com for help  📩

Most UZURV riders find everyday vehicles accessible for their transportation needs, even those with foldable wheelchairs. However, riders who use rigid-frame wheelchairs require more specialized transportation.

To help these riders get where they need to go, UZURV works with companies that manage fleets of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) to provide safe, accessible paratransit service.

In our latest blog, UZURV chats with Tristar Transportation in Columbus, OH about what it takes to become a UZURV WAV partner serving the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).

Read all about it HERE!

When your Rider has a service animal…

• Always ask before interacting with the animal.
• Never grab the animal’s harness or leash.
• Make room for the service animal by moving vehicle seats.
• Keep a blanket handy to reduce animal hair on seats.
• Don’t pet service animals while they are working. Let them focus on their job.

 

Don’t forget…

• You’re required by law to provide service animals access to your vehicle.
• Allergies aren’t a legally protected reason to deny a service animal.
• You can’t ask for proof that the animal is a service animal.
• Always provide door-to-door service – every ride, every time!

 

🐕 Make your rider and their service animal feel welcome! 🐕

Transportation equity is a long-standing challenge for many of the communities we serve – and especially for people with disabilities. Through their service every day, UZURV Drivers help to close the transportation gap by providing rides for those who need them most.

But there is much more we can do, which is why UZURV spends time at transportation and disability conferences, as well as trade shows each year, telling our story.

Last month, UZURV’s Ron Brooks, Senior Director for Policy and Stakeholder Engagement, and Ebony Webb, Senior Compliance Manager, traveled to Los Angeles to attend The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, better known as COMTO, 2023 National Meeting and Training Conference.

“COMTO is all about equity and inclusion,” said Webb, who is pictured left. “It’s not just minorities. It’s adaptive transportation, it’s paratransit, it’s all of it.”

COMTO is the leading national industry association advocating for employment diversity, inclusion, and contracting opportunities in the transportation industry. The COMTO annual conference brings together industry leaders across all modes of transportation for four days of learning, training, and networking.

The conversation wasn’t just about equity and inclusion for folks using transportation, but also towards a transportation workforce that reflects the diverse community around it.

“The disability community has an adage: Nothing about us without us,” said Brooks, who is a respected advocate for people with disabilities and a member of the blind/low vision community.

“People in our workforce should reflect the people we transport. So there is a lot of alignment between COMTO’s and UZURV’s missions,” he continued. “We’re all about giving people opportunities to reflect the communities they live in, both to drive and also to transport people who need it. If our workforce is diverse, then our diverse ridership will feel more comfortable.”

Brooks also moderated a workshop about ways we can make transportation better and more accessible for people with disabilities. One of the workshop’s presenters, Amy Hockman, Interim Chief of Operations for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in Columbus, Ohio, talked about the partnership that COTA has with UZURV.

“She praised UZURV as a partner. And she complimented our drivers for the quality of service they provide, which COTA routinely hears about from riders,” Brooks recalled.

UZURV Drivers make the difference in programs like COTA and elsewhere around the country. They are making transportation accessible for the everyday needs of their riders, where traditional paratransit cannot. And the news of their great work is spreading.

“Riders hear reports from other riders in communities where UZURV operates,” Brooks said. “They hear the service is good, the drivers are courteous, our service runs on time, it’s comfortable, and people feel safe. They want that in their communities.”

Webb added, “Quite a few agencies stopped by our booth to learn more about our services. Several have a very strong interest and are serious about furthering the conversation.”

The reason for such interest, Brooks says, is the people who make up UZURV.

“Our drivers and our call center – the folks on the front lines – they are the ones who sell the service,” he continued. “These kinds of opportunities don’t happen if the frontline doesn’t deliver the kind of service that UZURV team members deliver every day.”

“When you mix that kind of dedication with the message of diversity, equity and inclusion from an organization like COMTO – that to me is powerful,” he concluded.

 Great service starts with UZURV Drivers! Remember the basics –

• Provide Door-to-Door service for every ride
• Ask “What can I do to assist you today?“
• Arrive on time
• Always accept service animals

🏆 How do you go above and beyond? 🏆

UZURV Drivers provide tens of thousands of rides every month for folks who need them. That means more people with greater access to daily activities like school, work, and doctor appointments.

We chatted with Deborah Legree – one of the newest Drivers in Richmond, VA – to learn more about her experience driving with UZURV and what it takes to be a great driver.

“I’ve met some great, amazing people – even from my first day,” said Deborah. “I remember it was pouring rain, and I picked up this lady. I was like, ‘take your time.’ I helped out, we laughed, we talked, and I got her to church. I’m thinking – okay, I can do this.”

“It’s been great ever since. I’ve had no problems.”

 
What, according to Deborah, makes a great UZURV Driver?

“First and foremost,” she said, “I have this motto, and I taught my kids – you treat people how you want to be treated.”

Deborah became a driver with UZURV in Richmond, Virginia after working many years with social services in New York City, where she was born and raised. There, she learned how to support people in her community living in dire situations.

“Your job is to do the right thing. Because guess what – in the blink of an eye, you could be on the other side of that desk.” she said. “God forbid – I hope I don’t get sick. But, if I do, I hope I run across somebody like me.”

“So, I do what I can for anyone who gets in my car,” she continued. “I’m there. I walk them to the door.”

 
What are Deborah’s tips for making riders feel appreciated?

• Treat your rider like you know them. Smile and greet them with a cheery “Hey, how are you doing?”
• Listen to your rider. If your rider is quiet, don’t force it. After all, they may have had a difficult day or received bad news.
• Use common sense and provide common courtesy to your riders. For example, have an umbrella in the car to protect them from the weather when escorting them to and from your vehicle. Ask them if you can help with anything. Make them comfortable and safe.
• Make your riders feel like they matter – because they do.

 
Deborah wrapped it all up with some final words of wisdom:

“It could be you in that seat. Just put yourself in the shoes of the person you are picking up and ask yourself – how would you want that driver to treat you?” she said.

“I’d want them to make my day. Because of that, I’m gonna try to make yours. If I don’t leave my riders with anything else – it’s going to be: ‘Have a great day.’ ‘See you soon.’ ‘Keep your head up.’”

“We got this. We got this.”

Other ways UZURV Drivers make riders feel comfortable and safe:

• Provide masks, especially for the immunocompromised
• Offer bottled water and snacks
• Install handles to help riders get in and out of vehicles

⭐ What do you do for your riders? ⭐

UZURV Drivers step out of their vehicles, walk to a rider’s door, and they assist them both to and from their vehicles.

But why does UZURV do it? The number one reason: our riders.

“We serve riders who face a number of barriers when trying to use traditional transit services and rideshare platforms,” said Randall McGuire, Senior Associate on UZURV’s Driver Success team.

When Drivers help their riders to and from a vehicle, and make sure they reach their destination safely, riders can get to jobs, school, and appointments. More than that, they can carry on with their daily lives.

Door-to-Door service is vital because every day, at least 25% of Americans need help with transportation due to disability, sickness, or age. For them, door-to-door service isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Traditional transportation services – like taxis, buses, and other rideshare programs – generally offer curb-to-curb service. Some may offer door-to-door service for an extra fee.

But for UZURV, door-to-door service is standard and required for every ride.

Door-to-door service provides added comfort, stability, and convenience for riders who are elderly and/or may have physical or emotional challenges as they travel to and from daily activities,” McGuire said.

“It’s a game changer,” he continued.

UZURV riders appreciate the care and commitment our Drivers show them every day.

“I love this service! I have a very hard time getting into paratransit buses, and I’d get really embarrassed to ask for the ramp,” said one Sacramento rider.

“With this service, I get a little bit of dignity back,” she continued.

Riders like her are why we go the extra mile!!

Revisit the UZURV Learning Center to refresh your door-to-door knowledge.

Happy driving!

UZURV

When asking riders if they need assistance, keep your question open-ended.

Ask: “What may I do to assist you to the vehicle today?”

😊 Then give the rider enough time to respond. 😊