Seniors like everyone else, need to get around and run Errands. Whether its to the supermarket, laundromat, or health clinic. Some older people may find it difficult to do the things, they need and want to do often, due to vision, hearing, or mobility issues. A transportation service tailored to their needs can be very useful for these seniors, allowing these seniors to live an independent life. There are steps you must take if you want to start, a senior transportation business.
Step one is to select a specific type of senior transportation service. Options include transporting customers to medical appointments with seniors. scheduling a trip in advance. providing on call transportation, similar to that of an Uber service, or combining transporting seniors with escorting them on Errands and shopping.
Step 2, lease or purchase a vehicle for your senior transportation company. Begin with one vehicle and then add more with your limited startup capital.
Step 3 If you don't already have a spare garage or parking space, find a space to park your vehicle when it's not in use. Many cities prohibit commercial vehicles from parking on public streets for extended periods of time. Your vehicle will be registered as a commercial vehicle, making it easy for law enforcement to distinguish between the van or SUV and driven for personal reasons. Parking spaces and garages are frequently rented by storage facilities, warehouses, and commercial buildings to businesses in need.
Step 4: obtain a permit for sales and use tax. This business documentation can be done online.
Step 5: go to the county clerk's office and register a name certificate, also known as a DBA business. License fees vary by county, but are typically lower across the United States. Unless the senior transportation company bears the name of the owner. This is compulsory whether the business is a corporation or sole proprietorship. For example if the business is named as Jones Senior Transportation then a DBA is not a compulsion, but if the name is "The Senior Bus", then it's compulsory.
Step 6, ensure that all of your drivers have a commercial drivers license, also known as a CDL. Visit your local drivers license office to obtain a CDL. Drivers must show proof of citizenship and Social Security Number. All drivers are required to pass a written and driving skills test and bring their vehicles for CDL transit and liability insurance, inspection and registration. The fee will be determined on the applicants age and previous CDL license status. The application forms can be easily found online.
Step 7, the travelers should be ridden through beautiful, scenic and serene routes. Seniors may prefer to call one of the Uber cabs in the area rather than patronize the startup. Thus the business should provide something rare and unique that other businesses don't. In addition to better customer service, provide seniors with a package deal per trip. including return trips, group rates and flexible service hours.
Step 8, promote the Senior Transportation Company by distributing brochures, with large legible print in senior apartment complexes, adult day cares, senior centers, retirement homes and other locations that seniors may frequent like local outpatient rehabilitation centers, bingo halls and community centers. Advertise in local newspapers, community newsletters, or a publication that many seniors read.
How to make money in NEMT?
With the help of NEMT, these men and women can get to and from hospitals, ambulatories, nursing facilities, medical appointments, rehabs, pharmacies, critical treatment centers and more. Drivers pick up customers during a ride and even drop home. Public transport can't support the level of hands-on-service that NEMT providers can.
Advantages of doing NEMT
These businesses are profitable. In the USA, the rates for this type of service ranges from $25 to $50 per hour. NEMT business is recession proof. Experts predict a great increase amongst the aging population. Lots of older adults cant drive due to medical reasons and it significantly reduces their mobility. Demand will only grow with time. In NEMT, communication skills, patience and empathy come into play. Personalization and companionship are the keys to success.
What is needed to start NEMT?
The first step is to get the right vehicle - a minivan, a bus, or a full size van. Ensure that the vehicle has everything that patients might need. For example a gurney, wheelchair, oxygen tanks, dialysis machine and more. These equipment will increase the cost of the startup, however it will increase its reliability and trustworthiness too. The vehicle must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and the ADA standards for Accessible Design.
Furthermore, the right NEMT software should be purchased. it will help avoid numerous errors that might lead to client loss. A high quality software streamlines the overall workflow since all operations are automated and digitized. To summarize, NEMT software and vehicles are an absolute essential. Because quality service cannot be delivered without these two features.
https://www.quora.com/How-would-you-start-a-bus-coach-business/answer/Charles-Kaufman-8