Rides Program

What is the STAYinTV Rides Program?

We are Tellico Village volunteers, driving our own cars, helping fellow Villagers get to the places they want to go.

If any of the following apply, we may be able to help:

  • You are generally unable to drive
  • You are temporarily unable to drive
  • You have appointments from which you are not able to drive home (for example, eye doctor)
  • You are uncomfortable driving in some situations, or to some destinations
  • You provide rides to a spouse or friend in one of the above categories

How to Get Started:

Loudon County Residents

  • Call (865) 458-7084 to request your Welcome Package. Complete the forms in the Welcome Package and return them with a $50 check made out to STAYinTV. Send to STAYinTV, 202 Chota Road, Loudon, TN 37774. The $50 fee covers a $10 enrollment fee and prepays $40 worth of rides.

   Monroe County Residents

  • You may also call (865) 458-7084 to request rides, but the process will be different and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

How it works:

Registered Riders

  • Call (865) 458-7084 a week or more to the date you need a ride. (Generally, we provide rides from 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday.)
  • Leave a voice message with your name, phone number, date and time of your appointment and the destination.
  • A STAYinTV coordinator will contact our staff of volunteers and ask for someone to take you where you want to go.
  • The volunteer who accepts your request will call you to confirm the details of your trip.
  • At the scheduled time, your driver will meet you at the door, take you in his/her own car to where you want to go and return you to your home.

Note: A limited number of stops may be included in the original request. Adding stops on the day of the trip may be done only with agreement of the driver.

What do we expect from riders? You must:

  • Be unable to drive, or uncomfortable driving to the desired destination
  • Be able to walk independently (may use a walker or a cane)
  • Be able to communicate and provide basic self-care during the trip. If help with either is needed, we suggest bringing a companion
  • Be enrolled in the program prior to requesting the first ride

General Fee Schedule:

Round trip costs from main Village:

  • Within main Village……………………………………..$5
  • Lenoir City or Loudon………………………………….$8
  • West Knoxville (Park West)………………………….$12
  • Downtown or UT Medical Center………………….$20
  • Oak Ridge or Maryville………………………………..$20

Our volunteers cannot accept any kind of payment. You can show appreciation by making a donation to:

STAYinTV

202 Chota Rd

Loudon, TN 37774

Attn: Rides Program

Why do we charge for this service?

Although the drivers are volunteers, the overall program has expenses:

  • Printing costs and computer fees
  • Supplemental car insurance
  • Liability insurance
  • Mileage reimbursement to drivers
  • Driver training and appreciation programs

Are you willing to be a driver?

If so, you should:

  • Live in Tellico Village
  • Have a current Tennessee driver’s license
  • Have state mandated car insurance
  • Be willing to have a background check
  • Have a car with relatively easy entry and exit
  • Have a cellphone in case of emergency
  • Be comfortable with basic internet use
  • Be willing to accept at least 2 half-day trips per month
  • Be willing to attend periodic on site training classes
  • Know that mileage reimbursement is available

You will be presented with a list of requested rides, and will volunteer only for those that fit your schedule. Fellow Villagers needing a ride will greatly appreciate your time.

While driving for STAYinTV you are covered by the Federal Volunteer Protection Act and by STAYinTV’s liability and excess car insurance, far better protection than when you simply drive a friend.