Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect with a Ride Service?
Answer: We’re here to get you where you need to go, whether you no longer drive or prefer the convenience of not having to navigate traffic and parking. Once you make your reservation with us, we will call you the day prior to confirm your appointment. We will meet you at the door of your pickup location, assist you in boarding the vehicle and deliver you to your location.
When you are ready to return, you’ll call us and we will come and pick you up and deliver you back to your original pickup location. Typically we do not wait on site. We will try to keep your wait time as minimal as possible. Our goal is less than 30 minutes. However, please be aware sometimes it may be up to an hour due to traffic, road conditions, etc. If you don’t want to wait you can prearrange for us to remain at your location.
Our goal is to get you there and back safely and timely.
Remember if it is an emergency, Call 911. We do not provide medical assistance.
Are you a local company or a franchise?
Answer: Cardinal Ride Service is a locally owned and operated company. We live and work in our community.
What types of transportation do you provide?
Answer: Cardinal Ride Service provides ambulatory service. This means that our passengers are able to walk on their own, perhaps with a walker or cane or transfer themselves into a car seat from a light weight fold and go wheelchair.
What are your hours of operation?
Answer: Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. We realize that sometimes you may need to go to an urgent care center after hours or that an appointment may last longer than expected. We can make accommodations as needed. After hours, give us a call at 615.454.1273.
Remember we are not an emergency transportation. Call 911 in an emergency.
Can I trust my loved one with your driver?
Answer: We value your safety and ensure that our drivers are trained. Cardinal Ride Service drivers are trained and nationally certified from the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Alliance Commission and granted the Certified Transportation Specialist certificate (CTS). Our drivers also receive training and require MVR, background and drug and alcohol checks.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
Answer: As soon as you have an appointment set, give us a call and let us get it on our schedule. We like to have at least 2-3 days notice, but most days we can accommodate same day trips.
Can someone ride with the patient?
Answer: Yes, caring for your loved one is important. We encourage you to include an escort that is over the age of 17. We do not charge additional fees for a second passenger. Additional riders may be accommodated on a case by case basis.
Do passengers have to be a patient?
Answer: Absolutely not. We take people to the airport, hair appointments, weddings, etc. At this point in our service, we do not transport children who require special child seating such as car seats and booster seats.
Do you provide transportation to Nashville and the VA in Murfreesboro?
Answer: Absolutely. We provide transportation to area facilities in Nashville, Hermitage, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, Mt. Juliet, Nashville International Airport, etc. We go where you need to go.
Frequently visited facilities include: Saint Thomas West and Midtown, Tri Star Summit, Vanderbilt, VA Hospital and more
How do I book a trip?
Answer: We have 3 ways for you to book your trip. Use the method most convenient for you. Please remember that your trip is not guaranteed until you have received a confirmation from us.
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Call: 615.454.1273
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Email: info@cardinalrideservice.com
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Book Online: Click here to complete a registration form
Do you take insurance?
Answer: No. We do not direct bill insurance but we can give you a receipt and you may contact your insurance provider for possible reimbursement options.
Some insurance plans offer transportation benefits. Reach out to your provider by typically calling the Customer Service number on the back of your insurance card.
A patient’s facility may pay for Cardinal Ride Service if the level of care of resident contract includes transportation benefits.
What forms of payment do you take?
Answer: We accept cash, check and the following credit cards at the time of initial pickup: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.
Can you wait with the patient?
Answer: Yes, we can wait with the patient if prearranged at the time of the reservation for additional fees and depending on facility restrictions. Due to COVID, some facilities no longer allow people to accompany the patient inside the facility. In this case, we will wait on campus to be available as soon as the passenger is ready to depart. Please note that the drivers are not there in a representative capacity, we are strictly transport.
How far can I travel?
Answer: We go where you need to go local and long distance. There is a per-mile charge for every trip. If you’re traveling further than 50 miles one way, they may be an additional long distance surcharge based on several factors. Call Cardinal Ride Service at 615.454.1273 for a quote.