Frequently asked questions about CRC Van Service
Q		What is the van schedule?
A		The van goes to Fort Bragg on the first Wednesday of each month, and to Santa Rosa on the first Friday of each month, then on each Thursday for the remainder of the month.
Q		How much will it cost me to ride the CRC van?
A		The van service is free, although passengers are given donation envelopes in case they are able to make a contribution to CRC.
Q		Would that donation be tax deductible?
A		Yes! CRC is now a 501(C)(3) nonprofit corporation. And your contributions make it possible for us to continue expanding our service.
Q		What area do I have to live in to ride the van?
A		Roughly Manchester to the Timber Cove Lodge.
Q		How do I reserve a seat on the van?
A		Call the CRC office (1-800-395-8964 or 884-4562) between noon and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. We ask that you make your request at least two days before the date of the trip. Reservations are taken in the order we receive requests. When you call, please be prepared to give the time, address, contact phone number, and length of time for each appointment so the driver can plan the trip in advance.
Q		How many passengers can you take in the van?
A		We normally carry a maximum of four passengers because of the time required to get each passenger to their appointment(s). If we have room, your spouse/partner is welcome to accompany you.
Q		What time can I plan on being able to go to my appointments?
A		We ask that your appointment not start before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for the convenience of the other passengers.
Q		How far does the “Santa Rosa area” extend?
A		We occasionally take passengers as far north as Healdsburg and as far south as Sebastapol. Most of the time we go to Santa Rosa or Sebastapol, with an occasional trip to Windsor also.
Q		I’d like to visit a friend in Santa Rosa or Fort Bragg? Will you take me?
A		No, our service is limited to medical, legal, or other essential appointments and needs. These include doctor visits, lab tests, financial advisors, dental visits, eye exams, hearing aid fittings, etc. Residents with other needs are reminded of the van service offered by the South Coast Senior Center. Their van alternates between going to Fort Bragg and Santa Rosa the second Friday of the month, and also takes residents on weekly shopping trips. And also don’t forget the MTA bus!
Q		Will you pick me up and take me home?
A		Usually, yes. Occasionally, however, because of scheduling problems or if passengers live in an area not easily accessible by the van we may ask passengers to help us by getting a ride to the CRC office or meeting us at a designated place on the way. We make every effort to provide door-to-door service, but on days when the van is full and passengers live a great distance from each other, we may have a difficult time doing that because of time. And our service to the Timber Cove area is limited to pick-up and delivery at the Lodge.
Q		I am unable to walk without assistance. Can your driver help me?
A		No, for insurance reasons our policies require that you be mobile and not require assistance.
Q		I get carsick easily. How do you handle that?
A		Please tell the van driver that you get carsick before the trip schedule is finalized so the driving times can be adjusted accordingly. If you have a wrist band for motion sickness, wear that or take your normal motion sickness medication. The van has plenty of barf bags, and our driver will make every effort to drive smoothly and stop for you if necessary. You will be allowed to sit in the front passenger seat if possible; however, sometimes we have more than one passenger with this malady and then we just do our best.
Q		What do you do about lunch?
A		You are welcome to bring a sack lunch with you. Usually the driver asks all of the passengers about their preference for lunch and they all eat at an agreed-upon restaurant close to where they will be at lunchtime. We suggest that you bring water and a book with you.
Q		How do you know when and where to pick me up when my appointment is finished?
A		We give each passenger a card with the CRC cell phone number. Each passenger decides before their appointment where to meet the driver afterwards and approximately when. If you finish your appointment before the driver returns, ask the office receptionist to call the CRC cell phone and let the driver know you’re ready, or use a pay phone or your own cell phone.
Q		I was not able to make my appointment on the days the van is going. Is there another way for me to get a ride?
A		There are probably two ways. One is to try the South Coast Senior Center van (mentioned above) and the other is to ask the CRC office volunteer if there is a CRC volunteer who will take you in their private car. All rides through CRC have the same restrictions about the type of appointments that are appropriate but there is more flexibility about appointment times with the private drivers. (And then of course there’s always the MTA service, which is available daily.)
Q		I have a car but don’t feel comfortable driving to Santa Rosa or Fort Bragg because of my medical condition or age. Will you still give me a ride, even though I have local transportation available?
A		Yes! That a perfect example of why we exist. CRC recognizes that you may not always feel safe driving that far yourself. Some of our passengers have only temporary conditions and ride only a few times, while others have permanent conditions and ride frequently.