CC_Minutes_2018_0108 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,January 8,2018 Page 6 Mr. Olson explained further, noting that NewTrax is also developing a partnership with a for-profit company called Mobility 4 All. That will be a "ride-hail"service similar to Uber or Lyft, specifically designed for seniors and people with disabili- ties. Background checks and things of that nature will be done, which are not done with Uber or Lyft. A dispatch center will be used, and it will accommodate seniors with smartphones and seniors without smartphones. Also, caregivers will have access to the rides that seniors are taking. A pilot program will begin in the next three weeks in White Bear Lake, with three drivers working with two assist- ed living facilities. As that launching unfolds, the goal is to continue to reach other communities throughout 2018, so that by the end of the year, 100 different vetted, trained drivers will be ready. Some of those drivers will have wheelchair accessible vans as well. Some current clients being driven right now with NewTrax have wheelchair accessible vans, and they may be interested in partner- ing with this service in order to also earn a little money. Ms. Barsel noted this topic will be discussed at the larger forum in April, includ- ing some exciting things happening with the RASP bus. There will be reliable weekly transportation for a group of 8 Bhutanese seniors from their residence to their church, which hosts classes they participate in, and then home again. CHAT is looking for ways that people can use these services in a complementary fashion. There is also discussion about whether it is possible for Metro Transit to create bus transportation up Larpentuer where it is missing or on County Road B. Metro Transit has offered a bus and someone who can do instruction on the 14th. For folks who have never been on a public bus, they can be told how the whole pro- cess goes, to try to reduce discomfort some people have. That forum will be the opportunity to roll out what is happening if this pilot route can become funded. Councilmember McGehee expressed support for the pilot program and commend- ed NewTrax's commitment to vetting drivers. She is aware that isolation and so- cialization is a major problem for those seniors who are still living at home, more than for those seniors living at a center. A major challenge, to getting around is wheelchairs and walkers. The next phase of ride on demand will enable folks to get to doctor and dentist appointments that are not located within the South Loop. She inquired whether a non-resident of a facility can still catch a bus at one of the locations. Mr. Olson confirmed that is absolutely possible, and it is already happening. Sometimes people get on the bus at one facility, then take the bus to another facil- ity to visit a friend. Mr. Olson noted as NewTrax has had more introductions to corporations, the out- pouring of support has been amazing. For example, NewTrax met with Mike Veeck, an owner of the St. Paul Saints, who has a daughter with a disability. Mr. Veeck is willing to provide upwards of 40 free tickets to the St. Paul Saints games for seniors and folks with disabilities, and NewTrax will provide the buses. Mr.