Metro Mobility users who can afford to pay a bit more for a private ride and faster trips have a new transportation option. The Metropolitan Council recently entered into a partnership with Carepool to provide same-day, on-demand rides for seniors and those with disabilities, in much the same way others arrange for rides using Uber or Lyft.

Carepool joins Transportation Plus in taking riders to their destination without picking up other passengers along the way. Both companies can accommodate wheelchairs, scooters and service animals. But as its name suggests, Carepool offers riders a “caring experience” as well as their choice of drivers, said CEO Josh Massey.

“With a taxi or other rideshare, you get something new every day,” Massey said. With Carepool, “a lot of time you get the same driver. They can have confidence in who their driver might be … and feel safe in driving experience.”

Riders certified to use Metro Mobility may book trips on Carepool by calling 612-284-5204 or online at carepool.us. Customers will pay the first $5 for any rides, and Metro Mobility will cover the next $15. If the total fare exceeds $20, the customer pays the remainder.

Carepool came to the Twin Cities about 18 months ago at a time when Uber and Lyft were threatening to leave Minneapolis as drivers demanded higher pay. Anyone can use Carepool, Massey said. Rides not covered by private insurance or the Met Council program will cost about the same as a traditional rideshare trip.

Read the full article on StarTribune.com

Carepool, a transportation software company founded in Madison in 2018, is launching its 24/7 medical on-demand ride services in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. The service, designed for aging adults and people with disabilities, will begin on August 1.

The organization says the launch comes at a critical time as the Chippewa Valley faces hospital closures, with St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire shutting down. Carepool aims to support Medicaid and Medicare members with much-needed transportation options.

Founder and CEO Josh Massey, a Chippewa Falls native, expressed excitement about the launch in a statement. “It’s excellent to launch services in my old stomping grounds of Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley,” Massey said.

Carepool is adding five wheelchair-accessible vehicles and plans to hire 50 drivers in the area. The company also partners with healthcare workers to provide on-call wheelchair-accessible rides. “This leads to the unnecessary use of an ambulance for non-emergency needs. Carepool will create more medical access for those who don’t drive and may need a little more assistance after a procedure,” Massey said.

Transportation needs for the aging population are growing, with the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center reporting that one in five Americans is expected to be 65 or older. Carepool’s new app, designed for aging adults, will feature simple navigation and live customer service to enhance the user experience. “This is about more than mobility—it’s about independence, dignity, and healthcare access,” Massey said.

Read the full article on WQOW.com

Carepool has announced a partnership with UCHealth to expand ride services to Colorado hospitals. The collaboration will bring Carepool’s on-demand medical transportation platform to patients across the UCHealth system, providing wheelchair-accessible rides for aging adults and people with disabilities.

The partnership supports UCHealth’s mission to improve access to care by ensuring patients can reliably reach their medical appointments. Carepool’s technology integrates with healthcare systems to streamline scheduling and provide real-time tracking for both patients and care coordinators.

Carepool’s services are designed for healthcare—with HIPAA compliance, CMS requirements, and drivers trained to assist older adults and people with disabilities. The expansion into Colorado builds on Carepool’s presence in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and other markets.

Read the full article on DenverGazette.com