Community Action Ride System sees strong demand in first month of operation

May 22—Community Action Ride System volunteer driver John Joines said he washes his car every day to provide the best experience for riders.

"When I drive up to a person's place, I want them to know they are just as good as anyone else," Joines said. "They'll get into a nice, clean vehicle. I will have water in there. I'll make sure they're comfortable and they're treated like Donald Trump getting into a limousine."

CARS is Economic Security Corp.'s new transport program, free to residents in Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald counties. Organizers said local demand for transportation has been immediate and heavy since its recent launch.

In the first three weeks, volunteer drivers completed more than 5,300 miles, said Cavanaugh Studyvin, community organizer at ESC. Due to that demand, ride availability over the next two weeks might be limited. Studyvin still encourages people to call and schedule rides in advance as much as possible.

ESC does a community needs assessment every three years, and transportation has been on the needs assessment for a while, Studyvin said. Many people cannot afford a car or the insurance, or cannot drive for other reasons.

"We've always been interested in creating new programs, but this one is unique because for the first time at Economic Security we have a program with no real guidelines," Studyvin said. "There's no income or age requirements. It's completely open to anybody as long as you are a resident of our four counties."

Some areas in these counties have some public and private transportation options, including MAPS and Uber. Other areas have limited options or nothing at all, as in McDonald County.

A majority of the rides have been medical appointments, whether they be one-time appointments or recurring visits such as dialysis, Studyvin said. CARS also has been doing lots of grocery store trips for people who have no access to quality food within walking distance. The third most popular ride category is to and from work.

'fantastic'

Joplin resident Fely Sachs heard about CARS while using other ESC programs. She previously had used Uber to get around town, which she said is expensive.

She said CARS is a well-organized alternative, and she likes the ability to schedule rides ahead of time.

"This program is fantastic," Sachs said. "It helps us when we need rides for groceries, going to church, doctor's appointments. It's especially helpful for senior citizens like us who cannot drive or afford a car."

As the former CEO of Economic Security for 26 years, Joines said his experience in the community made him want to volunteer.

"I like to think I have a servant's heart," Joines said. "That's what I've done for the last 26 years. I wanted something that would keep me involved with people. Because of my experience here, I know how many people don't have the necessities, whether that's food, clothing or a car. This has been needed for years."

Drivers are important for the program, Studyvin said, and the program currently has 13 drivers on the road and 15 more pending training. A call to action over social media brought in 12 others who are interested.

"We're in a really good place, but obviously the more drivers we have, the better," Studyvin said. "The more drivers we have, with all kinds of availability, the better the program is."

Drivers are reimbursed for mileage according to the federal mileage rate. ESC has said it will use federal grants, state funds, business sponsorships and donations to fund the program.

Studyvin is looking for drivers with all sorts of availability to be able to offer rides throughout the day.

Interested volunteer drivers can apply through the ESC website, escswa.org, under the "Services" section. A background check, proof of insurance and a license check are required, at no cost to the drivers. Training and a vehicle inspection follow. No special insurance or special driver's licenses are needed.

Once rides resume, people can arrange for a ride in advance by calling 417-438-2925. The scheduler will gather basic information and schedule a ride. CARS asks that people call within agency hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. Rides typically need a 48-hour notice, but with the large demand now, it is scheduling a week out.

Drivers can make multiple stops — for example, to the doctor and then to the pharmacy for a prescription. The program asks to be informed of that in advance, but if there's a case like a sudden change in a medication, it can make a last-minute stop.