PATH’s Transportation Assistance Fund (TAF) was started with a grant from Twice is Nice to help older adults in Charlottesville/Albemarle and the surrounding counties when other options are not available, or when the person has a specialized need that cannot be met by public transportation providers or volunteers. In those cases, the TAF helps pay for transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.

The Transportation Assistance Fund is a last resort for older adults with specialized transportation needs, or who live in areas where there are few transportation options. The Transportation Assistance Fund serves the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.  Funds are distributed equally between each county and the city of Charlottesville.

Examples of the transportation needs TAF covers are below.

• Someone has outpatient procedures scheduled with sedation. When a person has been sedated, the doctor’s office or hospital will not release them to go home under their own care. The patient has to bring someone with them to sign them out and drive them home. Non-emergency Medical Transportation will provide that service, as will companion care/personal care agencies, however the cost can be high and many of our callers can not afford the expense.  Most of the time it is not covered by insurance.
• They live in an area that only has limited service with public transportation. Sometimes the date and time of their appointment does not line up with the transportation services available. If the appointment cannot be changed, the person may be able to receive help from the Transportation Assistance Fund to get a ride to and from their appointment.
• Are unable to drive themselves, and are not yet approved for para-transit.

The Transportation Assistance Fund can help people in these and other unique situations.

The Transportation Assistance Fund is made possible by a grant from the Twice is Nice fund. The Twice is Nice fund supports local nonprofit agencies who provide services to local seniors in need. Twice is Nice is a resale store that promotes sustainability and helps the community. The proceeds from the sale of gently used items are used to benefit local organizations that work to preserve and improve quality of life for older adults.

PATH will determine eligibility based on income and will exhaust other options before turning to the Transportation Assistance Fund.