2022 - A year in review

It's hard to believe we are already three months in to 2023! We are happy to share some highlights from 2022, our first full year of operation:

• home52 Transportation coordinated approximately 40,000 one-way trips for more than 1,200 unduplicated individuals.



• We contracted for transportation services with 18 transportation providers including commercial transportation with service providers of older adults and small business entities.

This diverse group of providers allowed us to provide person-centered transportation to meet the needs of the individuals we served. Our goal was to provide quality, on-time, hands-on supportive and through-the-door service creating a positive experience for each rider. This quality initiative will continue in 2023. We appreciate the collaboration and dedication from the transportation providers that share our goal and provide this unique level of service with each trip. 

The data collected through our transportation management system (TMS) allows us to evaluate software functionality, internal controls and workflows. At the end of 2022, we initiated enhancements to auto-scheduler functionality based on system data and driver feedback. While drivers may not recognize the enhancements, additional efficiency with dispatching was shared by all. Our TMS allows us to monitor trips in real-time, communicate with drivers, call ahead for late arrivals and ensure the trip experience meets our standards - and our riders' expectations. 

We randomly collect rider feedback within three days of completed rides. From the 2022 survey data, we learned the following about surveyed riders:

• 99% said they like the way they are treated by the Coordination Center.
• 99% said scheduling their ride was easy.
• 96% said they get as much help as they need to access the vehicle. 
• 98% said they feel safe and secure during the ride.  

Aging, independence and transportation go hand-in-hand

Transportation is important to everyone. Independence for some individuals may be defined by driving their own vehicles or traveling with family and friends. Independence for other individuals may be defined by utilizing public transportation or using Uber, Lyft or taxicab services. 

For many older adults or individuals with disabilities, the ability to navigate these transportation options diminishes as they age and/or experience a decline in health conditions.  The home52 Transportation coordination center allows older adults and individuals with disabilities to retain their independence by providing reliable on-demand, on-time, hands-on, and through-the-door transportation services.

For some individuals, home52 Transportation may meet a temporary need. For example, they may need supportive transportation services for a short period of time following a hospital stay, during rehabilitation or due to a health set back. During this period an individual may require enhanced transportation support to attend follow-up appointments and other important activities.

home52 Transportation coordination can provide continuous, short-term or incidental transportation support to vulnerable individuals when they need it the most. 

home52 receives developmental disabilities certification

In the spring of 2022, home52 Transportation was certified by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODODD) to provide non-medical transportation to workshops, day programs and supportive employment for Medicaid waiver individuals. We are also connected with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services to provide non-medical transportation.

Staff Profile: Charles Gentry

We recently sat down with Charles Gentry, Transportation Coordination Specialist about his role with home52 Transportation. Gentry has been with the program since June 2021. He is responsible for scheduling transportation for our members' medical and non-medical appointments. He also assists with dispatching when needed. 

When we asked him what he enjoys most about being a Transportation Coordination Specialist, he replies, "It's simple." I get to spend each day assisting our members live a life where they have access to dependable transportation. He continued by saying, "This position also gives me the opportunity to connect with great people daily. The conversations I have with our members have painted pictures of individuals who have had many great adventures throughout their lives." 

Funding streams provide support to low-income riders

Interact for Health grant

We're pleased to share that home52 Transportation received a $6,500 Advised Grant from Interact for Health to help fill transportation gaps for low-income community members. The grant is playing a critical role in meeting the transportation needs of low-income older adults who do not qualify for other existing transportation programs/services. Reliable transportation helps our older neighbors stay healthier and connected to their communities. Thank you, Interact for Health! 

Renewal of City of Cincinnati Grant

The City of Cincinnati Human Services Fund grant for non-emergency medical transportation for adults 55+ has been renewed for another year. Residents of Cincinnati will continue to benefit from the program.

We recently spoke to Joe a rider whose trips were funded by the City of Cincinnati Grant; he is very satisfied with the service. Joe shared "home52 staff are pleasant and it is easy to schedule rides. If a driver is running late, I even receive calls to update me. Very pleased!"

Coming Soon - Coordination center extended hours

In early spring, the home52 Transportation Coordination Center will be open to serve you from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday. The coordination center's longer hours are the result of additional requests for early morning trips as well as additional requests to return home later. With the expanded hours, we'll also be able to provide better support for drivers who handle early morning and late evening trips. The coordination center is available to assist transportation providers and riders alike. 

2023 holiday schedule

home52 Transportation office will be closed the following holidays:



• Memorial Day
• July 4
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day
• Christmas Eve OR the day after Christmas

Transportation will be provided for all scheduled trips on holidays. Same day trip scheduling is not available on holidays.

home52 is a subsidiary of Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio. Leveraging 50 years of experience, Council on Aging and home52 are experts at helping individuals, families and caregivers manage complex medical and long-term care needs. home52 offers flexible services and payment structures that align with Council on Aging’s mission to help individuals remain independent in their homes.