Michelle felt a little isolated after retiring and moving with her husband from the city to a rural area near Truman Lake in Benton County. Looking for a way to stay active and connected in her new community, becoming a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit turned out to be the perfect fit.

Betty, 85, relies on New Growth Transit to visit her husband, a Korean War veteran, at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg each week. With the help of her sister Phyllis and a caring volunteer driver, these weekly trips are not only a lifeline for Betty and Stanley but also a testament to the power of community.

Rides not only ease the challenges of rural life but also fuel local growth. Stories like Anna’s, a single mother and waitress, and Brent’s, who cannot drive due to a developmental disability, highlight how New Growth Transit helps them get to work. Volunteer drivers make a lasting impact on rural communities, one ride and one individual at a time.

Meet Dustin, a 24-year-old thriving at his job at Walmart, thanks to the reliable support of New Growth Transit. His story highlights how access to dependable transportation fosters independence, eases family burdens, and creates opportunities for individuals in rural communities.

Our volunteer drivers' incredible milestone of one million miles of free rides in 2024 has been celebrated across multiple platforms, including a feature on KSHB Channel 41 News, an online story at KCTV 5, and local coverage in Bolivar’s Herald-Free Press. This recognition highlights the transformative impact of rural transportation and the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible.

New Growth Transit celebrates a remarkable milestone: over 1 million miles of free rides provided to rural Missourians in 2024—equivalent to circling the globe 40 times. This achievement underscores the vital role of our volunteer drivers in connecting residents to essential services.

Veterans in rural areas often face barriers to the care they need, especially when transportation is scarce. One of our staff shares the story of Jim, a Vietnam veteran from Cedar County, and the friendship that helped him access critical medical care and the reminder that one act of kindness can break the isolation many veterans feel. Read how a ride can change a veteran’s life.

In the small town of Butler in Bates County Missouri, an extraordinary volunteer-run “taxi” service, known as BACO, is making a big impact on local mobility. Here’s a closer look at how this local organization and New Growth Transit complement each other.

One of our staff members who doesn't typically take calls from riders received a touching request that really highlighted why we do what we do at New Growth Transit.

Meet Don and Lori, a husband and wife from Cedar County who have found a new passion in their retirement: volunteering as drivers for New Growth Transit.

This legally blind resident of Polk County is grateful to have New Growth Transit so he and others like him have a safe option to help them stay connected with the community.

How do the expenses add up? And why are people glad to volunteer? We break down the math and answer a few questions about being a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit.