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Volunteer group Ride for Vets outlines transport volume, vehicle costs and driver shortage
Summary
Harry Peterson, vice president of Ride for Vets, told Elk County commissioners the volunteer transport program averages about 380 trips a year, has four vehicles with nearly 47,800 miles logged last year and struggles to recruit younger drivers; the board heard details and asked operational questions.
Harry Peterson, vice president of Ride for Vets, told the Elk County Board of Commissioners the volunteer-run service averages roughly 380 trips a year and relies on a small pool of volunteers to transport veterans to VA and VA‑authorized medical appointments.
Peterson said the service began in 2006, reorganized in 2008 and requires riders to present a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo ID; because the group does not operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles, riders must be able to get in and out of vehicles without assistance. Volunteers must complete a background check, an online driver-safety course and an annual physical at the VA.
On vehicle investment, Peterson listed purchases spanning 2015–2025 with per-vehicle costs he said ranged from about $15,000 to $22,345; he said the group has raised or been given about $88,495 toward vehicles and currently operates four vehicles. He said the fleet accumulated about 47,800 miles and volunteers logged roughly 1,500 driver hours and more than 1,000 office volunteer hours last year.
Commissioners asked about replacement planning and driver recruitment. Peterson said the volunteer base is aging (he estimated an average driver age around 65) and the program typically fields about 12–15 active drivers, which can leave coverage tight when volunteers are on vacation or ill. He described recent long trips—one that required a driver to be on the road for more than 11 hours round trip to Erie—and said scheduling can require drivers to start as early as 6 a.m. for distant appointments.
Peterson encouraged interested volunteers to call the Ride for Vets office; he said some training and clearance steps can be cumbersome but are required by the VA. The commissioners thanked Peterson for the presentation and for the organization’s work transporting veterans across the region.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; commissioners asked staff to keep the program in mind for outreach and partnership opportunities.
