Go Ride Programs

The VRT Village Van initiative aims to mitigate one of the significant obstacles for low-income families: the absence of reliable transportation. This program offers transport services to these families while also providing on-the-job training for qualified driver candidates. Those who participate as drivers earn wages while engaging in three main activities: continued job search assistance with personalized support from an instructor, ongoing training in customer service, problem-solving, information management, communication skills, and professional ethics, and gaining practical work experience through professional driving. This program serves as an effective and affordable transportation solution for low-income individuals. By collaborating with local businesses, VRT supplies new 7- and 12-passenger vans for daily commuting within Canyon County and between Ada and Canyon counties. Employers are invited to reach out to VRT to sponsor a van. Valley Regional Transit oversees all maintenance and upkeep, allowing passengers to relax during their ride to and from work. A minimum of six passengers, including the driver, is required to participate, and employers are encouraged to work with VRT to create vanpools for their staff, with the condition that the vanpool must either start or finish in Canyon County. Additionally, there is a volunteer transportation service catering to seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others in need. The Volunteer/Driver Reimbursement Program currently offers affordable transport to those with mobility challenges in Ada and Canyon counties, with plans for future expansion to additional counties. Volunteers provide their time and vehicles, and if necessary, can utilize a VRT-owned accessible minivan. This program enhances the existing fixed-line (regular Valleyride city bus) and ACCESS paratransit services, offering improved driving and riding options for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. It currently covers extensive areas of Ada and Canyon counties that lack Valleyride bus service and operates beyond traditional bus hours. The Vehicle Sharing program allows 501(c)(3) organizations, social service agencies, churches, and similar non-profit groups to borrow vehicles, such as passenger cars, minivans, and small buses requiring a commercial driver’s license, at no cost when a VRT-qualified volunteer driver is provided. The borrowing entity must return the vehicle clean and with a full tank of gas, while VRT covers all other expenses, including maintenance, insurance, tires, and other operating costs. Agencies are encouraged to contact VRT for further details about this program, though some restrictions may apply.