The non-profit Independent Transportation Network (ITN) launched a Lanier branch last spring and has driven members over 18,000 miles since.
"We will be celebrating our first year of existance and our first one thousand rides with a breakfast for donors, volunteers, members of the board and people that helped get this going this Saturday," said ITN Lanier board member, Kathy Oates.
"It certainly takes a lot of volunteer time to launch any non-profit. We have a lot of people that are passionate about what it takes to get it going."
ITN Lanier provides seniors and adults with visual impairment a ride membership service that is provided by roughly 35 volunteer drivers that transport them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the community.
The service, which officially was opened to the public last April, is also preparing to provide their 1,000th ride Saturday, March 4.
"We are excited that Carol Burell, who is the CEO of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, will be giving our 1,000th ride. It is special that she will be a part of the milestone since since so many of our destinations for members are to medical appointments," said Oates.
Oates says volunteer drivers are needed for the service as the program continues to grow, but as the affiliate expands, paying drivers may become a possibility. For Oates, the program hits on a personal level.
"My mother was lucky to have a daughter living here in Gainesville so I could driver her to her appointments when she lost her ability to drive. But that is the exception, so I think this service is a growing need for the community."
Some quick facts about the service:
- The pick up charge is $4
- The mileage charge is $1.20 per mile
- The average charge is approximately $12 for a one way trip
- Tips are not accepted
- Rides can be planned in advance or members can ride on demand
- Members can ride alone or share a ride
- Ride by the hour or by the mile
ITNLanier is an affiliate of the national network ITNAmerica.
