Driver Bob Wagar is ready for next week’s launch of This Rides 4 U transportation service in Cowichan Valley. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)

New specialty needs transportation service opens in Cowichan

This Rides 4 U opens Aug. 16

This Rides 4 U, a new business in the Cowichan region that opens on Aug. 16, wants to help those who use wheelchairs and/or have other disabilities be as independent as they can be.

The business provides secure and attentive transportation services in a van equipped with a wheelchair lift and other amenities to help those with ambulatory limitations, other specialized needs, including those with emotional, cognitive or physical conditions, as well as seniors.

The service also provides fully trained drivers with valid first-aid certificates, as well as having clean driving abstracts.

This Rides 4 U is owned by the Valley’s Darwin family, which has first-hand experience with the need for specialty transportation in the region and knows the true value of maintaining personal independence and safe travel.

“This is a much-needed service in the Cowichan Valley,” the Darwin family said in a statement.

“We want to bring back some level of independence for this with disabilities, as well as the elderly.”

This Rides 4 U will pick up people from anywhere inside the Cowichan Valley, as well as from the Nanaimo Regional Airport, and the Duke Point and Departure Bay ferry terminals, and will take them anywhere they want to go in B.C.

For more information, check out www.thisrides4u.ca or call 250-732-5898

Cowichan Valley Citizen