Ford has slowly but surely been expanding GoRide’s reach ever since it launched the non-emergency medical transportation service. Now, the automaker has revealed its plans to deploy the system to 40 cities nationwide over the next four years after a testing period in Southeast Michigan (Detroit included) and Toledo, Ohio. It will start by expanding its vans’ availability to Ohio cities Dayton, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus later this year — not surprising, since it’s already in Toledo. Miami, Florida residents will be able to book rides for their doctors’ appointments by the end of 2019, as well.
In 2020, Ford plans to take its service to more states, including North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, and California. It’ll most likely be confined to urban areas, though, since Ford is still figuring out how to effectively make GoRide available in rural locations. Even so, the company expects to deploy 130 vans by the end of 2019 and over 200 by the end of 2020.
Those aren’t enormous numbers, but they could be a good start to a niche service that only intends to fill a gap and compete with smaller medical transport offerings by ride-hailing giants. GoRide drivers are trained to safely assist passengers with medical needs, after all, and they have wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Minyang Jiang, CEO of GoRide Health, said:
“GoRide Health is gaining momentum because it is a reliable, human-centered service for people whose very lives depend on making their medical appointments. Despite a critical and growing need across our country, most patients are unable to find reliable transportation and drivers who understand their needs. GoRide Health can fill that gap.”It doesn’t matter whether a person is looking for professional transportation services in Los Angeles, Hartford or Las Vegas, these companies tend to provide exactly what passengers need and more to make sure trips are comfortable and enjoyable.
So, what can a passenger expect when using professional transportation services? A lot depends on the actual type of bus involved in the trip, but there are some generalizations that almost always run across the board. As long as a quality company is selected, passengers can expect a great deal from these services. Some areas where professional transportation services shine include:
· Clean, comfortable accommodations. While the actual accommodations will vary depending on the type and size of bus selected, most professional transportation services take their passengers’ comfort very seriously. Passengers on even the smallest of buses can expect accommodations that suit their needs. On the larger, more elaborate buses, passengers might even find sleeping quarters, restroom facilities and more. Although stereotypes tend to follow the industry, the truth is professional transportation services can provide first-class accommodations.
· Professional drivers. Professional transportation services do not last long in the business if their drivers aren’t any good. In most cases, passengers will find drivers who really know their stuff and put customer service as their top priority. This can make a trek around town or even across California much more enjoyable. From professional bus services in Los Angeles to those found elsewhere, companies are only as good as their drivers. Groups that require specially screened drivers, such as school organizations, will also often find a selection of pre-screened employees. Medical professional transportation services also tend to make sure their drivers know how to handle an emergency.
· Itinerary selection. While it’s true not all professional transportation services can provide this, those that offer private charters can and quite often do. This gives passengers the flexibility to select their routes and planned stops. The reality is professional transportation services can prove fantastic for vacations, cross-country treks and more.