Booking Non-Medical Event Transportation in Grand Rapids

Because Life Happens Outside Medical Appointments

At Reliable Medical Transportation, we’re known for getting people to medical appointments on time—but that’s not all we do. Just like medical care, social engagement, errands, and family time are essential to your well-being.

Whether it’s a wedding, church service, family reunion, or trip to the grocery store, our non-medical event transportation services are here to help you stay connected, independent, and active. If you’re in Grand Rapids or nearby communities, we provide safe, accessible rides tailored to your unique mobility needs.

In this blog, we’ll explain what non-medical transportation includes, who it’s for, where we go, and how to schedule with confidence.

Why Non-Medical Transportation Is So Important

While most insurance programs only cover medical transport, non-medical outings are vital for mental, emotional, and social health—especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people recovering from illness or surgery.

Some of the common reasons clients book non-medical rides with us include:

• Attending a family gathering or celebration

• Going to church or a weekly religious service

• Running personal errands like grocery shopping or banking

• Visiting friends or community centers

• Going to a movie, restaurant, or event downtown

  
  

These aren’t just social extras—they’re crucial components of a healthy, independent life.

Who Uses Our Non-Medical Transportation Services?

Our Grand Rapids-area clients come from all walks of life. We serve individuals who:

• Use a wheelchair, walker, or cane and need help boarding a vehicle

• Are unable to drive due to age, disability, or surgery

• Live in senior housing, assisted living, or private homes

• Have limited family support or cannot rely on others for transportation

• Prefer a trusted, local provider over impersonal rideshare services

  
  

We regularly help:

• Seniors living alone who want to stay active in the community

• Veterans attending group events or VA social services

• Post-operative patients needing temporary help

• People attending funerals, graduations, or birthday parties

• Clients with cognitive challenges who require familiar, consistent service

Types of Events and Outings We Support

We provide transportation to a wide range of non-medical events and personal outings, including:

Family and Social Events

• Weddings

• Baby showers

• Birthdays

• Family reunions

• Funerals or memorial services

  
  

Religious and Spiritual Activities

• Church services (weekly or special events)

• Bible studies or support groups

• Synagogue or mosque attendance

  
  

Errands and Personal Outings

• Grocery stores and pharmacies

• Hair salons or barber shops

• Restaurants and coffee shops

• Local voting polls

• Post office or banking errands

Community Events

• Local concerts or performances

• Grand Rapids ArtPrize

• Farmer’s markets and craft fairs

• Neighborhood association meetings

  
  

Recreation and Parks

• Walks at Millennium Park, Riverside Park, or Frederik Meijer Gardens

• Picnics with family at neighborhood green spaces

  
  

If the event is important to you, it’s important to us. We’ll help get you there safely and on time.

Features of Our Non-Medical Transport Services

Our non-medical rides include the same high standards as our medical transport:

Door-to-Door Assistance

Our drivers assist passengers from their home to the vehicle and into the destination when needed. We understand that curbs, stairs, and elevators can be a barrier without the right help.

Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles

We accommodate both manual and power wheelchairs using ADA-compliant vans with:

• Ramps or hydraulic lifts

• Secure four-point tie-down systems

• Climate-controlled interiors

• Extra space for caregivers or companions

  
  

Flexible Scheduling

Outings don’t always follow clinic hours, so we offer transport 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends by request. Plan ahead for:

• Sunday church services

• Friday dinners

• Saturday birthday parties

• Holiday events and reunions

  
  

Friendly, Local Drivers

Our drivers are fully trained, background-checked, and Grand Rapids-based. That means they know your neighborhood, understand local routes, and treat you like a neighbor—not just a number.

Real Example: Attending a Granddaughter’s Wedding in Walker

Last fall, we transported an 83-year-old client from her assisted living facility in East Grand Rapids to her granddaughter’s wedding in Walker. She used a wheelchair and hadn’t attended a family event in over a year due to mobility issues. Our driver helped her get ready, secured her chair, and waited during the ceremony to bring her home safely.

Her family later told us, “It meant everything to have her there. She cried during the vows—and so did we.”

How to Schedule Non-Medical Transportation with Reliable

Booking a non-medical ride is simple and flexible. Here’s how it works:

1. Contact Us

   • Call 616-635-2981

   • Email richf.rmt@gmail.com

   • Visit www.reliablemt.net and use the booking form

     
     

2. Provide Ride Details

   • Date and time of the event

   • Pickup and drop-off addresses

   • Duration of the outing

   • Whether you need a return ride

     
     

3. Specify Mobility Needs

   • Wheelchair, walker, or any special accommodations

   • Whether a caregiver or companion will join

     
     

4. Receive Confirmation

   • We’ll confirm the ride, driver, and arrival time

   • Text or phone alerts available upon request

Planning Tips for Non-Medical Events

• Book early for holidays or weekends—slots fill quickly

• Schedule return rides in advance to avoid delays

• Let us know if event timing may change (weddings, church events)

• Request a familiar driver if you’re a returning client

FAQs About Non-Medical Event Transportation

Do you charge differently for non-medical rides?

Rates are based on time, distance, and equipment needs. Private-pay options are available since most insurance does not cover non-medical transport.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. One companion may ride free of charge. Additional riders can often be accommodated depending on vehicle space.

Do you offer evening or weekend rides?

Yes. We offer evening and weekend transportation by appointment. Early booking is encouraged.

Do you wait during the event or return later?

Either is fine. For short events (less than 1.5 hours), we often wait. For longer events, we’ll return at a pre-arranged time.

Can you help with wheelchair loading and unloading?

Yes. All our drivers are trained in safe mobility assistance and equipment handling.

Final Thoughts: Independence Isn’t Just Medical

Everyone deserves access to life’s important moments—whether it’s a religious tradition, a family celebration, or simply the joy of shopping for your own groceries.

At Reliable Medical Transportation, we believe dignity and independence are supported not just by medical appointments, but by the freedom to enjoy everyday experiences. We’re here to help you stay connected to the people, places, and events that bring meaning to your life.

Contact Us Today

Ready to schedule non-medical transportation for a special event or outing in Grand Rapids?

Call Reliable Medical Transportation at 616-635-2981Email richf.rmt@gmail.com Or visit  www.reliablemt.net to request a quote or reserve a ride.