Growing up in Jordan, Riyad Noubani loved cars. When he was 13, his father, a general contractor in Saudi Arabia, let him drive the family BMW. Riyad loved the freedom, the speed, and adventure of being behind the wheel. That’s when his love of driving truly began.
After meeting his future wife while she was traveling in his home country, they married in and in early 2017, decided to settle close to her family in Carolina, a small town on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast. Riyad found work, began learning Spanish, and happily bought his own BMW.
Sadly, those happy times were short-lived. Hurricane Irma hit, followed by Hurricane Maria, both devastating Puerto Rico and its citizens. With what little savings he had, Riyad sought work in New York City in order to help support his wife and her family, who remained in Puerto Rico.
He found a job selling suits, purchased a Toyota Camry, and started driving for Uber. He saved money and moved into an apartment in The Bronx. Grateful for the jobs and a safe place to live, he looked for volunteer opportunities to give back to his new community. Hoping to combine his love of driving with the chance to help others, he searched online for “volunteer driver,” and found TRA.
Now in New York for five years, he is a regular driver for the nonprofit organization. He provides essential rides for older adults to medical appointments two days per week. When asked why he has continued to volunteer with the organization, he says he doesn’t understand the question.
“Why wouldn’t I volunteer? This country gave me freedom, a second chance. I have so much gratitude. I feel like I’m repaying America by volunteering. Plus, I love driving! It’s my thing.” He explains that he especially enjoys having repeat riders because he likes getting to know the people he’s driving. “When I drive for Uber, anyone can step in my car; we don’t necessarily interact. But when I drive for TRA, it’s personal. We crack jokes, we learn about each other.”
Every ride is memorable in its own way, according to Riyad. He recalls picking up an elderly woman who turned about to be the wife of a well-known street racer in The Bronx.
“I learned all about this whole cultural phenomenon; it was fascinating,” he notes. On a recent trip driving New Rochelle resident Gloria Cardoza, to her dental appointment, he surprised her by speaking some Spanish. She told him about her church, and he shared how he learned the language. “She was so appreciative, it was so nice,” he says.
An important element of his volunteer experience has been the camaraderie he has with TRA staff and his fellow volunteers. “Being alone in this country, it was nice to meet new people. That was very important to me.”
Riyad is proud to have recently purchased a Dodge Charger, a popular American sports car, which he feels is another way to show his pride for his adopted country. “It’s patriotic to buy American and to volunteer. I have been blessed. And this car has been blessed with the people I’m driving.”
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