To provide a community-based, and community supported, economically viable and consumer-oriented, quality transportation service for seniors and visually impaired adults.
ITNMontereyCounty is an affiliate of ITNAmerica®, founded in 1995 by Katherine Freund in Portland, ME when an 84-year-old driver injured her 3-year-old son; she was determined to change a transportation system not meeting the needs of an aging population.
In today's society our car keys represent our independence to continue an active and productive life. While about 600,000 older adults stop driving each year, many more modify their driving habits. Giving up the car keys greatly limits older adults’ access to healthcare, shopping and opportunities for socialization. ITNMontereyCounty delivers a model of individualized travel which eases the transition from the driver's seat to being a passenger; offering riders the ability to schedule trips for any reason anytime. Our service relys upon volunteer drivers using their vechile to provide the same convenient mode of travel as they’re used to; ultimately reduces stress, anxiety, and social isolation.
We understand it's not just quantity of life that counts, but also the quality. Rates charged are less expensive then taxi's and one-third of our costs to deliver rides. A low-income structure is available, often rides are free-of-charge based on funding from sponsoring agencies.
ITN helps seniors and visually impaired adults age in place. Benefits are best summed up by a rider: “Dear ITN Staff, your group has been a life-saver for me so many years. The kindness shown by your drivers is unbeatable; they offer arm-in-arm support, cheerful moral support and even help with my dog. They go over and above more than just giving rides at a reasonable rate. I couldn’t live without your wonderful service!”
- Patricia Nash
