Getting to the resources you need often requires transportation. In Waterloo Region we have a public bus system called Grand River Transit or GRT. To use the bus you may pay with cash (exact change only), bus tickets, or a monthly pass. For more information on fares, routes, and how the system works you can check out the GRT website at www.grt.ca or call them. You should also ask about reduced fares for seniors and students if applicable.
Sometimes affording the bus can be a problem; there are some agencies and government programs that may be able to give you bus tickets so that you can get to your job, a shelter, or some appointments.
Sometimes, though, you are simply unable to take the bus and need someone to drive you to an appointment. There are programs that have volunteer drivers who help seniors and disabled adults shop or attend medical appointments.
It is also important to look at the resources and connections that you already have. Do you belong to any sort of group, church, or association that could help out? Perhaps you have a friend, family member, or neighbour who would be willing to trade favours or skills with you, for example you could exchange babysitting for a ride to your doctor.
Another option, for those who occasionally need the use of a vehicle, is Grand River CarShare. This is a car sharing cooperative that you can join and then sign out a car whenever needed. There is a membership fee; however, they have an interest free loan available to help you pay this fee if the initial cost is a problem.
Resources
Canada. Veterans Affairs Canada
301-750 Baseline Rd E, London
phone: 1-866-522-2122
Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division, Waterloo Region Unit
241 Duke St W, Kitchener
phone: 886-8888
Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot, Assisted Transportation Program
A-28 South St W, Elmira
phone: 749-0784, 669-3023
Community Support Connections, RAISE Home Support Service for the Elderly Inc, Transportation Program
420 Weber St N, Waterloo
phone: 772-8787
Grand River Carshare
3-29 King St E, Kitchener
phone: 578-1895
Kiwanis Transit
13 Industrial Dr, Unit C, Elmira
phone: 669-4533, 1-800-461-1355
Lutherwood, Employment Services, Adult Employment Services
35 Dickson St, Cambridge
phone: 623-9380
Lutherwood, Employment Services, Lutherwood Youth Employment Centre
165 King St E, Kitchener
phone: 743-2460
PATER
First United Church, 15 Wellington St, Cambridge
phone: 622-3136
PHIACS
2300 Sheppard Ave W, Ste LL 105, North York
phone: (416) 663-5544
Waterloo. Department of Recreation and Leisure Services, Home Support Services, Transportation Program
185 King St S, Waterloo
phone: 579-6930
Waterloo Region. Transportation and Environmental Services, Grand River Transit, MobilityPLUS
250 Strasburg Rd, Kitchener
phone: 744-8570 (same day inquiries), 744-2241 (future bookings), 585-7597 ext 7290 (registration)
Waterloo Region. Transportation and Environmental Services, Grand River Transit, MobilityPLUS
Grand River Transit South Terminal, 35 Ainslie St S, Cambridge
phone: 585-7597 ext 7290 (admin)
Woolwich Community Services, Care-Ring Elmira
73 Arthur St S, Elmira
phone: 669-5139