Mary,

We initiated a golf cart service to circulate through our parking lots and offer rides to the entrance about 6 or 7 years ago.  We are in Northern Kentucky (Greater Cincinnati) and it gets cold November to February most years.  We soon found out that the Golf Cart did not serve its purpose on very rainy days, very cold days or snowy days - which were when it was needed most.  So we moved to a mini-van with the remote control doors that open on both sides.  Problem with this is that is can be hard for older adults and those with handicaps to get in and out of.

The golf cart and the van were/are both driven by volunteers but they report to Security - since Security handles all the van maintenance and provides the drivers with a radio etc.  We still have the problem of it not being in service when most needed - snowy days because the volunteer does not come in.  We have scheduled volunteers Monday - Friday 8am to 3pm.

We recently expanded this service by buying a 14 passenger mini-bus.  Much easier to get in and out of but driven by paid staff.

Volunteer drivers continue to work with the paid staff.  Paid staff transport employees to and from a remote parking lot at shift change.  Both can transport guests around the campus (Hospice, Doctor's Building, Surgery Center, etc) as needed.

Expence is clearly the vehicle, fuel, maintenace, insurance and any signage.

Hope this is some help.

Jenelen Dulemba

St. Elizabeth Healthcare