TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

Transportation services we provide

Northwest Portland Ministries provides door-to-door transportation to elders and persons with disabilities.

We operate with four mini-vans, two small buses, and vehicles owned by our volunteers.

Our primary service area is Northwest Portland, including the Nob Hill, Pearl District, and Old Town areas. We provide services to people who live in these areas or nearby—including downtown or close-in Southwest.

We transport people to medical appointments, grocery stores, banks, and other destinations within the metropolitan area.

Van Services hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Senior Shuttle Winter hours: Every hour, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.m.

The "Senior Shuttle" minibus in downtown Portland runs seven days a week, with regular service from The Vue (formerly Ione Plaza) , Clay Tower, Safeway, St James Apts, Downtown Loaves & Fishes, YWCA, Good Sam Hospital, Marshall Union Manor, Gallagher Plaza, Medallion Apt's, NW Irving Loaves & Fishes, NW Tower Apt's., Fred Meyers to returning to the downtown area.

On Sundays from 9:30am at Marshall Union Manor to Gallagher Plaza at 9:45, Medallion Court at 9:50, then NW Tower at 10am, the to Fred Meyers and Trader Joes. The Senior Shuttle will continue this route and give all shoppers 2 hours to shop under the drivers lunch break.

At 1pm the Senior Shuttle will begin at 1pm at The Vue Apts, and at Clay Tower at 1:30pm and take shoppers to Fred Meyers and Trader Joes. For more information or your input, please call 503-221-1224. Thank you.

What Van service costs

There is no charge for transportation services, although donations to NWPM from riders are welcomed.

We suggest a donation of $5.00 per one-way trip. The actual cost is $16 for a one-way trip when one adds all the expenses involved.

Who is eligible for transportation services

Our program offers transportation to all people age 60 and over.

People whose limited mobility or other disability prevents them from using public transportation may also be eligible for our service.

There are no income restrictions.

How to get a ride

Call (503) 221-1224.

We ask that you call three business days in advance, if at all possible.

When you first call, our scheduler will ask you some questions to register you in the program.

Please have your Doctor's name, phone #, address and time of your appointment and pickup time.

You may also call us or Ride Connection at (503) 528-1734 and register ahead of time.

Become a volunteer driver

We are looking for drivers who can volunteer for one day a week or even a few hours per week. We can work with you to develop a driving schedule that fits your lifestyle. You can choose to drive a NWPM van or your own vehicle. If you drive your own vehicle, we provide vehicle mileage reimbursement.

To become a volunteer driver you must meet the following criteria:

• 23 years of age with five or more years of driving experience
• Pass a criminal background check
• Have a DMV record with no more than two traffic violations or preventable collisions within the past three years

Volunteers are provided with the following training courses:

• Vehicle Orientation
• Road Test
• Safe At Any Age
• Mobility Awareness
• CPR and first aid training

For more information, contact our transportation coordinator, Dave Truman.
Phone: (503) 221-1224