Survey Says: Island Rides

We hear from Curt Van Hyning…

Curt Van Hyning

The response to the survey from San Juan Islands Shuttle Service is clear. The RoundTowner free ride service which operates on San Juan Island will now be called IslandRides. The more inclusive name corresponds to expanded service. Rides are now available throughout San Juan Island and will soon be available on Lopez Island, too.

You can find information about IslandRides online by linking to: IslandRides Website (being updated). IslandRides will provide door-to-door service on San Juan Island (not just in Friday Harbor).

IslandRides provides free or low-cost service to islanders without a car or who do not drive. This includes seniors, people with disabilities, and other people who cannot afford transportation. These folks often find themselves isolated in their homes without access to healthcare, therapies and other essential community services, such as a trip to the library, post office or grocery store. The donation or free fares are subsidized by United Way of San Juan County, SJI Community Foundation, generous businesses, grants and individual donors.

Island Rides is pleased to announce its expanded service to Lopez Island. With generous support from Lopez Lions Club, Lopez Island Senior Services and the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, IslandRides was able to procure an all-electric vehicle through Pacific Mobility-EV Works. We are extremely grateful to EV Works and Laura Denovan for the donated Nissan Leaf.  The eco-friendly car is also budget friendly, as there are no fuel costs. Volunteer drivers will be vetted through Senior Services or the Family Resource Center.

The system has delivered over 26,000 rides to targeted senior, disabled and low-income rural residents on San Juan Island. IslandRides uses donated electric vehicles to reduce costs and emissions while providing reliable service.

Lopez Island has been especially in need of affordable door-to-door ride service. IslandRides will meet that need. 

A recent letter from a client states, “Driver Bob is wonderful and RoundTowner is my sole source of transportation whenever needed.”  Dial 360-298-6905 if you need a ride to an appointment on SJI.  The new number to access service on Lopez Island is 360-317-3107.  To volunteer or donate to this 501(c)3 non-profit San Juan Island Shuttle System, contact Curt at 360-317-8399 or [email protected].

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