New Growth Transit Changes and Rides via MTM
New Growth Transit has been taking a close look at how we meet rural transportation needs due to budget constraints. Recently, we had to limit all rides to non-emergency medical trips only (like doctor’s appointments). The good news? We’ve found a new partner to help with these important rides!
Since non-emergency medical rides have made up about half of our program costs, we are now working with MTM (Medical Transportation Management) for Medicaid-eligible rides.
If you have Medicaid, you can call the number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule a ride—and you can request New Growth Transit as your provider! Rides we receive through MTM will help keep our volunteer drivers rolling and support the New Growth Transit program.
When we first started, most people thought medical rides were the only need. But by providing rides for work, shopping, and community access, we’ve shown that rural transportation is about more than just getting to the doctor.
Historically, about half of our rides were for medical appointments, but rural transportation needs go far beyond that.
· Seniors need help visiting their spouse in the nursing home or hospital.
· People who are blind need rides to socially supportive events. Individuals living with autism need reliable transportation to work.
· Many simply need access to shopping for daily essentials.
· And our rides accommodate the logistics of distance and stops along the way- an aspect of transportation that is simply a part of rural living.
· Plus, every ride offers more than just transportation—it’s a chance for meaningful conversation and the mental health benefits of connecting with another person.
And, we’ve proven that a volunteer driver network works! In less than 10 months last year, our 78 volunteer drivers provided over 1 million miles in rides! And the benefits go both ways—volunteering doesn’t just help riders; it also enriches the lives of the drivers. It’s a great way for drivers to get to know their community, find a sense of purpose and fulfillment, enjoy time outside the house, and even supplement their monthly budget.
Now, we’re looking for more financial partners to help meet these broader transportation needs.
Please know that our budget comes from several sources, including some funding from specific counties. Counties often want the services they support to stay local, which means that as we approve ride requests, it may seem random which rides we can approve or where we can go.
We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through these changes. Your support will help keep the whole program running!
We’re also seeking more funding opportunities. If you know of an organization interested in helping fund volunteer driver transportation, even if for specific needs, please reach out to us.
Thank you for your patience as we adjust to these changes. Feel free to email with questions regarding these changes or call us 417-283-7991 - call at least 48 hours in advance to request a ride.
Together, we can keep supporting our rural communities!