“How do you plan to get there?” We’ve recently started asking this question of many of our 211 callers. We serve a lot of folks who don’t have a car, no longer drive, or have never driven. Whatever the reason, we all still need a way to get where we’re going.
Cars are convenient, but they’re not the only option. Nevada County has public buses, paratransit services, taxi services, and even an Uber driver or two. How do you know which one will work best for you? Ask 211.
We’ll ask you some simple questions to help you narrow down your options and find the transportation choice that works best for you. Here’s how we’ll start:
Where are you now? Where are you going?
If we know your start and end points, we can help you narrow down the options. We’ll start by eliminating options that don’t go to those places.
Are you on a bus route?
We can help you find the nearest bus stop and check to see if your path there is safe and accessible.
When do you need to be there?
Your options will be different depending on the day and time you’re traveling. If you’re headed to an appointment during business hours you may be able to use the bus or paratransit system. If you are heading out at night, you may need to call a taxi.
If you are taking the bus, it’s smart to work backwards from your arrival time to make sure you board the bus with enough time to reach your destination. We’ll help you read the timetables to find the best route, bus stop, and boarding time.
Are you traveling to a medical appointment?
There’s a chance your health insurance will pay for transportation to your doctor’s office. We can help you check what your plan offers.
Are you a veteran, senior, or person with a disability?
There may be additional options based on your individual situation or needs. We’ll go through these with you to see if you qualify.
Do you use a wheelchair?
Let’s make sure your transportation options are accessible. All of the public buses have ramps and tie downs for wheelchairs, but only certain taxis have accessible vehicles.
What’s your goal?
Maybe you don’t want or need to leave the house. If what you really need is food delivery, a good book, or a visit from a friend, there may be services available to meet your needs.
Wherever you’re going, make 211 your first stop. For more information, give us a call by dialing 2-1-1- or check out the transportation resource page on our website.