Newton at Home Transportation Policy
Policy: Newton at Home (NAH) will make our best effort to seek a volunteer driver for every member request for transportation within our service area and hours of operation.
At this time we would ask that everyone in the car wear a mask. If you are unable to wear a mask, the alternative is for all the car windows to be open and if the weather is cool, have the heater on.
Transportation Hours: Rides from volunteer drivers will be available during our business hours Monday – Friday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Service Area: Rides will be provided to destinations in Newton and the following: Wellesley, Waltham, Watertown, Weston, Needham, Brookline, Brighton, Cambridge and Boston. Rides will be provided to most hospitals, satellite clinics, physical therapy, Logan Airport and grocery stores within the above cities and towns.
Requesting Transportation: At minimum a five to seven business days notice must be provided for all transportation requests. Members will be informed at least 24 hours in advance of the request if the request cannot be filled. The member will also have the option of having the staff continue to seek a volunteer.
NOTE: Rides will not be provided to members requesting transportation to an Emergency Room. Members should call 911 for emergencies.
Logan Airport Arrivals: Members being picked up at Logan Airport must turn on their cellphones upon arrival in the event that the volunteer driver needs to make contact with them.
Costs: There are no costs to members for most rides. Please note the exceptions below (we request that the member pay the volunteer driver):
- Hospital trips: The members will pay any parking fees.
- Logan Airport: The member will pay the driver $10.40 if the driver has an E‑ZPass. Without an E-ZPass, the driver will be paid $15.20. This includes tolls and mileage.
Accompanying Members: If requested, volunteers may be available to accompany members while shopping. Volunteers can accompany members to the facility for medical appointments, but will not attend the appointments.
Special Circumstances: It is rare that last minute transportation requests can be arranged. If a request is made, the Member Services Coordinator will determine immediately if the request can be filled.
Weekends: On occasion, there are a very small number of volunteers who are willing to provide rides on weekends or during times outside of our service hours. Members may present the request, and the Member Services Coordinator will make an attempt to match the request to those volunteers. If no volunteer is available, the member will be notified as soon as possible.