By fashioning a system that answers the real need for mobility, seniors can be persuaded to use funds for a new transportation system instead of ineffectually spending money maintaining cars. The Independent Transportation Network provides an attractive replacement system for individual car ownership. ITN, which began providing service in 1995, has developed a new transportation model geared to the needs of seniors who make up the majority of its customer base. ITN uses a combination of volunteer and paid drivers in ordinary passenger cars. Drivers escort seniors, buckle seatbelts, open doors, and carry packages.
Customers can choose between two types of service by the mile and by the hour.
With either type of service, no money changes hands in the vehicle. ITN customers are typically members of the organization and have prepaid transportation accounts. Members receive monthly statements that reflect debits for services used and estimate the next month's payment. ITN members who schedule trips in advance or rideshare receive discounts. Currently 80 percent of the seniors using the program voluntarily schedule in advance and 79 percent have indicated they would be willing to rideshare.