On June 12, Hanover DASH celebrates 6 months of continuous operation, despite the impact of COVID-19. This service provides invaluable transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, errands, and formal social programs for those 60+ and persons with a disability. As of May 31, 2020, the service has 145 registered riders and has provided 608 trips.

To thank its loyal riders and to encourage new riders to “test ride” the service, Hanover DASH is offering the following enhancements as a pilot program:

• “No Co-Pay Period” – Hanover DASH is waiving the $6.00 trip fee on all trips requested and occurring between June 12 and September 30.

• Expanded hours of operation: 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday

• Employment Transportation is now an eligible Trip Type

• Service Area now includes medical facilities at Stony Point

Hanover County launched this specialized transportation program on December 12, 2019. The program is supported by grant funds administered the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and funding from Hanover County. The program offers on-demand curb-to-curb or door-to-door service contracted through Roundtrip, which brokers services from ride share vendors and registered wheelchair transportation companies.

“Just as much of our area is re-opening from COVID-19 restrictions, we are ‘re-launching’ in a sense, as well” remarked Lisa Adkins, Administrator for the Hanover County Department of Community Resources which manages the program. “Although we have been in continuous operation since December, we know that the impact of COVID-19 has been particularly hard on those who rely on specialized transportation. Hanover DASH is seeking to be responsive not only by expanding the hours of operation for those on dialysis or now, those who are working, but also to help relieve some of the financial burden many are facing, by waiving the co-pay for the next several months. We hope this offer will encourage new riders to give us a ‘test ride’ and supports those who currently rely on Hanover DASH for their routine independence. This is a celebration of our current accomplishments and a gesture of support to our community members.”

All riders must be registered before utilizing the service, which includes transportation throughout the county and within a 7-mile area beyond the county border. Service also includes transportation to Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and all Hanover County government buildings. As noted, the program is further expanding to include added medical facilities at Stony Point.

A short registration form and documentation is required to confirm proof as resident of Hanover County, and age of 60 or over, or short term/ long-term disability.

For more details call 804-365-DASH (3274).