1. The Nuts and Bolts of Rides to Wellness How do we make this happen
The Nuts and Bolts of Rides to Wellness How do we make this happen? Rides to Wellness is a health and wellness initiative that combines the best of public transportation with the convenience and personalization of ride-hailing services.

2. Key Elements Meaningful and Equal Partnerships
Broadening the concept of Health and Wellness
Creating a Premium Service
Willingness to Take Risks and Innovate
Utilizing Technology
Key Elements

3. Build Partnerships with Organizations who Understand Transportation is a Barrier
MTA
Non profits
Veterans Services
Riders
Medical Providers and Hospitals
FTA
and
MDOT
Senior Living Facilities

4. Partnerships McLaren Hospital
McLaren Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
Genesee County Department of Veterans Services
Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Genesee Health Plan
MI Department of Health and Human Services
Ascension Genesys Wound Care
Ascension PACE Program
Valley Area Agency on Aging
Greater Flint Health Coalition
Private Pay Passengers
Partnerships

5. Think bigger than traditional NEMT
Significant health and wellness transportation needs exist outside of what Medicaid covers.
Where do passengers need to go that requires a specialized, premium service?
Examples include: Grocery stores; Farmers Market; Pharmacy; Government Agencies like DHHS, Social Security, Secretary of State office; Non-Profits to obtain services; Laundromat; Senior Center; beauty salon; the bank or credit union.
*Infrequent trips that are worth the extra money*
Think bigger than traditional NEMT

6. Create a Premium Service
To charge a premium fare, you must offer a premium service – what do your customers want that they are not getting on your traditional bus or dial a ride service?
-Same Day Service
-Assistance to/from door
-Driver carries packages or bags
-Connected trips
-Service outside usual hours
-Car seats
-Use of passenger cars or wheelchair minivans
-Single rider trips
-Credit card payment in vehicle
Create a Premium Service

7. Everyone will think this is a great idea; the key is finding those who will help pay for it.
Find one partner organization and start providing trips.
Do not be afraid to try something totally different than you have ever done.
Risks and Innovation

8. Technology
Same day service is successful when it is operated through a dynamic vehicle scheduling software
Similar to Uber or Lyft, the ride is between the driver and the rider, not on a pre-determined, batched paper manifest
The schedule is constantly changing to optimize routes and efficiencies in the system
Organizations LOVE online scheduling options – major selling point

9. Online Scheduling for Hospitals

11. Transportation must be part of the holistic approach to improving healthcare outcomes
Public transportation can be an innovator and can provide a powerful solution to the challenge of health and wellness transportation at a cost-savings to States
Mobility on Demand is not going away – make it work for you!
Moving Forward