Transportation Services   

Transportation Drivers Classes                      

Lifeline Program

 Transportation Services      651-291-6790

There’s nothing more important to an aging person than health and independence. But as many people get older, and it becomes more difficult to get around, they discover that declining independence could be a real threat to maintaining good health. A routine visit to the doctor may seem like a transportation nightmare. The Twin Cities Red Cross makes life easier, and allows thousands of residents to live independently in their homes, and still travel to important medical appointments.

Our funding comes from a variety of sources and the chapter gives passengers a chance to donate to this service, either during a ride or by mailing in a tax-free contribution.

We schedule rides Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., excluding major holidays. Our vehicles are also available for hire at night, on weekends, and holidays.

To find out how to schedule regular, on-going service or an occasional ride, contact Red Cross Transportation Services at 651-291-6790.

Mable's Story

One passenger was Mable Stewart, a strong woman who survived Hurricane Katrina and re-settled in Minnesota for the next year. Within 2 weeks of Katrina, Mabel was in St. Paul without vital transportation to see a doctor or to get to the Veterans Administration office to verify her status.

With a call to the Twin Cities Red Cross, Mabel had rides to the doctor, dentist and to pick up her medications. In her first two months in Minnesota, Mabel received 18 Red Cross rides. “I was so happy when the Red Cross came to pick me up for my medical appointments and took me where ever I needed to go. Oh, the drivers are so wonderful!”

Mabel’s story is one of thousands. The Twin Cities Chapter provides more than 48,000 rides each year and we’re growing! Many of these riders are your neighbors. Some are on medical assistance, many elderly, some are new to America. They all have a critical need that our Transportation Services help meet with a fleet of 21 vehicles across the metro area. Our drivers are highly trained. Many speak several languages. And they all help thousands of Twin Cities residents feel healthy and safe in their homes.

We are also in need of volunteer drivers. To learn more about how you can donate your time to this great programs, visit Volunteer.

  Transportation Drivers Classes - Call 612-872-3245

All of the transportation classes are four-hour classes that are required by all drivers every three years to meet the Special Transportation Service (STS) rules and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN DOT) requirements.

Passenger Assistance I:  is training for teaching drivers how to appropriately assist passengers in and out of their vehicle to their appointment.  This class meets the STS and Mn/DOT requirements for drivers driving passengers in a company owned vehicle. 

Passenger Assistance II:  is training for drivers on how to secure assistant devices (wheel chairs) n transport meeting the STS and Mn/DOT requirments driving passengers in a company owned vehicle. 

Defensive Driving:  is a requirement from Red Cross for all Red Cross volunteer/paid staff to take before driving a Red Cross owned vehicle.  This class also meets the DOT and STS requirements for drivers driving passengers in a company owned vehicle. 

First Aid for Drivers:  is training for drivers on assisting passengers with simple first aid procedures.  This class meets the STS and Mn/DOT requirements for drivers driving passengers in a company owned vehicle. 

Abuse Prevention:  is training for drivers as mandated reporters to prepare them to assist vulnerable passengers.  This class meets the STS and Mn/DOT requirements for drivers driving passengers in a company owned vehicle.

 Red Cross Lifeline Program

The American Red Cross has partnered with Lifeline, the nation’s leading personal response service provider, to help seniors remain independent at home and offer peace of mind to those that care for them. With Lifeline, older adults living at home can get quick assistance whenever it is needed - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How does Lifeline work?

To call for help, simply press the Personal Help Button you wear as a pendant or as a wristband. The Personal Help Button activates a small in-home communicator that automatically dials the Lifeline Response Center. Within seconds, your call will be answered by one of Lifeline's caring, highly trained operators called Lifeline Monitors. You will never be asked to talk to a machine.

You might be calling to tell us you have a minor problem that only requires a neighbor or family member to stop by--or you may need an ambulance. Whatever you need, Lifeline will respond quickly.

How does Lifeline help?

• American Red Cross Lifeline provides the peace of mind that you and your loved ones deserve, enabling you to continue to live independently in your own home.
•  The Lifeline Response Center is there for you when others can't be--24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year.
• Rapid response minimizes complications by making sure you quickly get help when you need it.

To sign up for the service or for more information about Lifeline, contact