JeffCo Express to Become More Than a Bus Service

JeffCo Express is looking for volunteers to help launch a volunteer driver program for Jefferson County.  The service would assist seniors 60 and older in getting to medical appointments both in and outside of the county.

The target date for the new service is July 1st but before that can happen JeffCo Express needs to recruit a team of 25 volunteers.  Volunteers would use their own cars and insurance but JeffCo Express would cover the volunteers with an extended liability insurance coverage that would cover any expenses not covered by their own insurance.  JeffCo Express would also provided liability coverage for any injuries or claims coming from helping a rider from their door to the car.  Any legal fees would also be covered by JeffCo Express.  Drivers will be reimbursed .30 cents per loaded mile which means miles where the rider is actually in the car.

Prospective volunteers must be 21 years of age, have five years driving experience, and have a vehicle in safe working order, a good driving record and clear background check. Riders will be billed monthly at the same .30 cents per loaded mile and must make their reservations at least one week in advance of their appointment.

A second portion of the new service is designed to meet the needs of veterans to get to medical appointments at the VA Medical Centers at Cochran and Jefferson Barracks.  There will be a run to Cochran on Tuesdays and a run to Jefferson Barracks on Thursdays.  Reservations will need to be made at least two weeks in advance for the veteran’s runs.  All medical appointments must be scheduled between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm.  All appointments must be completed by 2:30 pm.

 Volunteers for the veterans run would have to be available for an 8 hour shift.  The runs would start in DeSoto at 8:00 am and travel to set pick up points in the county and arrive at the VA Medical Center by 10:00 am.  The return trip would begin at 2:30 pm and end by 4:00 pm.  The roundtrip fare for the veterans run will be $10 however JeffCo Express is hoping to raise donations from veterans groups and businesses to cover the cost of the rides for our veterans.

 All persons interested in serving as a volunteer or utilizing the service as a rider should contact the program coordinator, Dennis Murphy at 636-465-0983 x106 or by email at coordinator@jccp.org.