Occasional drivers wanted for mobility services

August 19th, 2016
[by David Armstrong]

A call is going out for drivers to offer occasional services that will at least partly compensate for the loss over the past year of a taxi service in Motueka.

Terri Everett (pictured) runs The Dream Maker, a wedding and event planning service in Motueka and the Tasman area.

Through the business, she has been offering some driving services in the quiet months, and feels that there is a strong need within the community that will build up into the holiday season.

But rather than create a formal taxi service, she would like to contract a few "flexible drivers who are happy for some pocket money and can build trust and friendships with our clients, giving them ongoing support when needed".

"I have two clients who are typical examples of the need for mobility services," she says.

"One gentlemen, who is due to have an operation and is unable to drive, lives on his own and would be totally tied to the home if he doesn't have a companion and driver.

"Another single lady, new to the region, is without transport and requires regular visits to meetings and appointments. Once again if she didn't have our support, she would feel very isolated.

"I have transport in place for the low season but I know this will become busy over the high season to continue serving these people."

She has put out a call for any people in the community who have a small passenger license and/or a certified vehicle who would like to be on her list of drivers.

The range of individual services she would like to maintain and develop is broad.

"As a business, we already have shuttle buses and independent drivers who drive our customers' cars. We are not a taxi service.

"All bookings are made in advance and if there are any special needs or requirements, I will try to match these up with relevant skills."

Other community support services that she has in mind if she has part-time drivers available include a sober driver service, which should help the local restaurant businesses, and taking pets to the vet.

Those qualified to be an occasional driver with Dream Maker should be self-employed, with a clean and up-to-date P license, and a clean police record.

"Of course, their vehicle will need a Fitness certificate, although this is not totally necessary, as some of her customers have their own car that we drive.

"Most important, they need to be flexible and good with people. This is not a taxi service, it's a community service for people in need of support and companionship, as much as driving.

"We aim to build relationships with our clients and work on a long term basis to help them have more flexibility and freedom."

Interested people please contact Terri or email .

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