Volunteer Driver Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to help the individual get in and out of the car, or assist with groceries or parcels?
The volunteer driver is not required to carry, lift, or provide special assistance that could harm him/her.
What if I'm uncomfortable with a passenger (e.g., a female picking up a male passenger)? Can I request specific groups?
Yes. Volunteer drivers can let us know any passenger requirements that they have and accommodations will be made.
Will all participants be given a set of rules/guidelines?
Yes. Clients must first register for the program. At registration, there is a Client Agreement which the client must agree to. The Client Agreement outlines all of the procedures that Urban/Rural Rides follows in order for the client to take a ride with us.
How quickly is mileage reimbursed, and does it follow the Provincial Rate? What documentation is needed?
Typically, mileage is reimbursed on a monthly basis at a rate of 57 cents per kilometre. The volunteer driver will use the Mileage Claim Form for reimbursement.
Do I need to wait during the passenger’s appointment?
Most appointments are short (less than 4 hours) and we ask volunteer drivers to please wait for the client. For longer appointments (4 hours +) the driver can leave the client and return to pick up the client at the end of the appointment.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of trips required per month?
No.
Is there flexibility to choose specific days or times for volunteering?
Yes. Urban/Rural Rides will work with the volunteer drivers schedules. Volunteer drivers are called ahead of time to schedule a drive. There is no pressure to accept the drive request.
What if I have a last-minute conflict or need to cancel a ride? Is there a backup plan?
Urban/Rural Rides knows that life happens and that unexpected events can pop up. If this happens for a volunteer driver, we will do our best to find another volunteer driver for the client.
Is liability or insurance coverage provided for volunteers while driving?
Urban/Rural Rides requests that all of our volunteer drivers have automobile insurance including third party liability of $2M - Urban/Rural Rides will reimburse up to $80 annually for increasing the third party liability insurance to $2M.
Are there restrictions on the type of vehicle used?
There are no restrictions on types of vehicles used. Vehicles must be up to date on vehicle inspection and registration (proof of inspection and registration are required).
Do I need to keep records of rides or mileage, and how should they be submitted?
Urban/Rural Rides provide volunteer drivers with a Mileage Claim Form to use. They are to be submitted monthly to the ride coordinator either by email, text or regular mail.
What skills are covered in volunteer workshops, and are they optional?
New volunteer drivers will receive an initial driver orientation session which is mandatory prior to starting to accept drive requests. We have annual volunteer driver appreciation events where we show our appreciation to volunteer drivers and additional training (e.g. basic first aid, winter driving tips, mental health etc.). Attendance at volunteer driver appreciation events are optional but volunteers will want to attend because they are fun!!
Are there additional insurance requirements or background checks?
Urban/Rural Rides requests that all of our volunteer drivers have automobile insurance including third party liability of $2M - Urban/Rural Rides will reimburse up to $80 annually for increasing the third party liability insurance to $2M.
Urban/Rural Rides requires the following background checks:
a criminal background check and vulnerable sector check - obtained from your local police detachment.
A driver's abstract
Social Development record check - form is provided by Urban/Rural Rides during driver registration process
Are safety measures or support available if assistance is needed during a ride?
Volunteer drivers are supported by their ride coordinator. If there are any issues, the volunteer driver is to call the ride coordinator who will determine "next steps".
Is there a process for feedback to improve the program?
Urban/Rural Rides is always looking for the best way to do things and to make the tasks of the volunteer driver easier. If there is anything we can do to improve we ask that volunteer drivers let us know and we will try to accomodate wherever possible.
Can I volunteer only in specific geographic areas?
Yes.