Frequently asked questions for riders
Who is eligible to use Senior Ride Nashville?
To qualify for a membership, riders must be at least 60 years old, live in Davidson County and reside in one of our current service areas, need transportation, and be able to transfer in and out of a vehicle with limited assistance.
Future-riders will complete an application, agree to the Rider Code of Conduct and will successfully complete a brief in-person assessment to ensure program eligibility and that the potential rider can safely participate in our program.
How do I become a member?
Signing up is easy! Call our office at (615) 610-4040 or email info@seniorridenashville.org to have an application mailed to you. Applicants are asked to submit a deposit fee of $31 when they submit their application. Once accepted into the program, this fee will cover the first $25 annual membership fee as well as one prepaid ride at $6 per round trip. Applicants who are unable to pay the full fee are asked to call the SRN office to discuss further.
Are there cognitive eligibility requirements?
Our main priority is that SRN riders can safely use our service. We know that some level of decline is to be expected; however, our drivers are not equipped to provide the level of care necessary for extreme cognitive decline. SRN reserves the right to reassess program members if concerns about cognition and the rider's ability to use our program arise.
How often can I schedule a ride?
We are currently able to accommodate up to two round trips per week/per rider. All rides are subject to volunteer driver availability. Each round-trip can have a maximum of 2 stops and should be completed in 3 hours or less. Services are currently available Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Are rides available on-demand?
No. Because rides are provided by volunteer drivers, ride requests should be made at least 7 days in advance.
What types of destinations does Senior Ride Nashville serve?
Riders may request rides to any destination in Davidson County. Rides may be utilized for trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, social visits - anywhere our members need to go!
Is there a limit for destinations or total round-trip time?
Yes. Each round-trip should have a maximum of 2 stops and be completed in 3 hours or less. If you plan to be out and about for more than three hours, just let us know at the time the reservation is made and we can assign two different drivers for each leg of the trip.
When can I take a ride?
Rides are offered Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What is the Senior Ride Nashville service area?
We are currently offering services in the West Nashville, Madison, Old Hickory, Donelson, Hermitage and East Nashville communities. We will gradually expand to other areas, as volunteer capacity allows, until services are provided countywide.
What fees are involved?
Riders pay an annual membership fee of $25 and $6 for each round-trip ride. All trips must be prepaid to Senior Ride Nashville prior to scheduling a ride (no financial transactions, including tipping, should take place between the rider and volunteer driver). Riders who are not able to pay the full fee should call our office to discuss further.
How will I be able to identify my volunteer driver?
Our volunteers will be wearing a Senior Ride Nashville identification badge. Your volunteer driver will call in advance of the scheduled trip to confirm trip time and logistics.
Can volunteer drivers transport my wheelchair/walker/oxygen tank?
Riders may use a transport chair, walker, or portable oxygen tank. Use of this equipment should be noted at the time of ride scheduling, to ensure volunteers have space in their car. Riders should be able to transfer into and out of a vehicle with limited assistance.
Can I tip my driver?
Volunteer drivers are unable to take payment of any kind. If you’d like to give back, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Senior Ride Nashville to support this service for other riders!
What happens if no driver is found for my trip request?
While every effort is made to find a volunteer driver, there is no guarantee that each ride will be filled. Passengers will be notified 24 hours before the ride request if a driver has not been found.