Department of Developmental Services

In 2002, The Rideshare Company received inquiries from the private service providers for the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. They were aware of our turn-key business model for Easy Street® vanpools and wanted to know if we could create a similar van program for them.

These providers were challenged by aging and ailing van fleets. Purchasing or entering into long-term leases locked them into financial agreements that did not allow the flexibility required to meet the changing needs of their clients. They also did not want to be in the business of maintaining a fleet of vans. Their expertise and concern was taking care of people. It was critical that they have reliable, flexible transportation that allowed them to provide uninterrupted service for these people. Some providers also told us that they wanted to grow their business, but were being held back due to the many unknowns that came with owning and managing a van fleet.

The Rideshare Company welcomed this opportunity. We knew that our expertise is delivering hassle-free, economical transportation that could be modeled to fit the needs of our customer’s business.

We quickly moved forward with a program that offers a choice of mini, full size and lift vans on a month to month basis. Providers can change, add or return vans as their business needs change. The economical fee is based on van miles traveled each month and includes insurance, fuel, maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance and back-up vans for uninterrupted service.

Today, The Rideshare Company supplies and maintains nearly one hundred vans for Connecticut DDS private providers so that they can focus on their mission of creating opportunities for developmentally challenged people. For more information contact Greg Levitz 800.842.2150 x116 or glevitz@rideshare.com.