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In 2023, SACOG launched the Mode Shift Grant program with a simple goal—to test new ideas that can help reduce how much people are driving, and encourage them to try out options like biking, walking, taking transit, and even carpooling. One of the grant awardees, the Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley (ACC), boosted their ACC Rides program to provide transportation for senior community members and reduce driving through its vanpool model, all while strengthening connections and quality of life for this often-overlooked population.

The ACC Rides program was first launched in 2003 and has continued to grow its rider and volunteer base in the City of Sacramento. Seniors simply call the office to schedule a ride, then they can get help going to the grocery store, to church services, to a doctor’s appointment, and more. The vanpool model helps reduce the number of miles driven in the region by linking riders and destinations.

The Mode Shift Grant allowed ACC to hire two new drivers and expand its routes and options for riders. During the grant period, ACC Rides provided 30,346 one-way trips, more than 20,000 of those being group trips for clients to attend senior lunch programs, go shopping, and spend time at community or senior centers.

The program has a bonus impact of turning a simple trip into social time.

“They don’t mind ridesharing because they make new friends,” said Virginia Wieneke, program manager for ACC Rides. She says riders will sometimes request to be picked up last because they want to have conversations with the other people in the vehicle.

The ACC Rides donation-based services are overwhelmingly popular, with 57 percent of riders sharing they now have access to places they couldn’t get to before. Wieneke added that transportation is one of the top three needs of older adults, interchangeable with food and housing. Learn more about ACC Rides by visiting their website.