In 2012, Margo Mann retired from a 32-year career in the New York City Department of Finance. As she put it, “After a lifetime of work and raising seven children in Brooklyn, I wanted some peace and quiet.” So, she moved to Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County to enjoy the trees, the fresh air, and the calm.
And she did. But, three years ago, while her daughter was visiting, she noticed that Margo didn’t look very well. Several hours and an emergency room visit later, Margo learned from her doctors that she narrowly missed what could have been a fatal crisis.
Margo remained in the hospital for two days to, after which she was happy to get home. What she hadn’t anticipated was her need for transportation to and from all of her follow up medical appointments. Margo didn’t have a driver’s license or a car.
“I didn’t need a car in Brooklyn,” she explains. “And living on my fixed income, a car didn’t fit into my budget, let alone my life.”
So she researched her options. She didn’t qualify for ParaTransit because she is able to walk. She tried Uber and Lyft but they were too expensive to use as often as she needed. Then, one day, she discovered TRA, a nonprofit organization which provides rides to medical appointments, driven by volunteers.
“Without the support of TRA, I don’t know if I could have managed,” Margo says.
She especially appreciates how quickly she can obtain a ride. “That’s a real advantage. Some services require seven days’ notice, but what if my doctors want to see me sooner? TRA only asks for three days which is a big help. If they can’t provide a ride for me, they actually look for another service that can.”
Margo describes the entire experience as seamless, easy, and enjoyable. “At TRA, they’re all so professional and thorough,” she says. “The communication is excellent. And they’re so nice! The drivers and I really get to know each other. They learn about my kids and grandkids; they’re compassionate and understanding. That would not happen in an Uber.”
In fact, Margo appreciates the service TRA provides so much, she regularly sends donations to support the organization and its volunteer drivers – not so easy on a fixed income.
“They go out of their way to accommodate me,” she explains. “And I know they are helping many more people like myself who have limited options. I see elderly people in my town waiting for shuttle buses to go to the supermarket and elsewhere. It’s hard to get around. If I had a car and could drive, I would become a volunteer for TRA!”
When asked if she is interested in learning to drive, Margo smiles and says:
“Never say never! I’m managing my health, recovering from rotator cuff surgery and several other health conditions. But it’s never too late! If I did pass and get a car, I’d be the first one to sign up and volunteer. That would be something I would like to do.”
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