
Onward's Companion Rides are the premier Door-Through-Door assisted rideshare alternative designed for older adults and individuals needing minor physical assistance. Whether it's assistance with a foldable wheelchair/walker or an arm for support navigating stairs, Companion Drivers are there to help. Contrasting traditional Curb-to-Curb services, this assisted Door-Through-Door transportation type provides support for riders from their door, all the way through the doors of their destination.
Companion Rides are operated by trained Companion Drivers. Companion Drivers are FTA, CMS, and PACE compliant, CPR and First Aid certified, screened for empathy, undergo routine drug and alcohol screening, and receive specialized training to support riders in need of additional support.
What makes a Companion Ride special?
Public Transportation
Point-to-Point
Real time notifications & location tracking
Support entering and exiting vehicles
Assistance with walkers & wheelchairs
Wait and return/ recurring rides
Consistent Companion Driver
Background checked & CPR certified
Rideshare/Taxi
Curb-to-Curb
Real time notifications & location tracking
Support entering and exiting vehicles
Assistance with walkers & wheelchairs
Wait and return/ recurring rides
Consistent Companion Driver
Background checked & CPR certified
Companion Rides
Door-Through-Door℠
Real time notifications & location tracking
Support entering and exiting vehicles
Assistance with walkers & wheelchairs
Wait and return/ recurring rides
Consistent Companion Driver
Background checked & CPR certified
When to use Companion Rides
Visiting adult
day services
Routine medical appointments
Dialysis or
radiation therapy
Returning from
the hospital
Everyday outings!
Post-procedure
following anesthesia
Ride with your favorite familiar face
Did you know that you can specify your favorite Companion Driver?

"I’ve been riding with Mr. Walsh for some time and at this point, he knows when I’m going to need a hand even before I do!"
- Donald A.
The Companion Ride Experience
Types of Companion Rides
One Way
An assisted ride to your destination.
Just like it sounds, your same driver waits on site until you’re ready to return.
Wait & Return
Recurring Trips
Schedule trips up to 9 months in advance!
Perfect for medical appointments.
Companion Drivers are both the companion and the driver. Much like traditional ridesharing, our drivers operate their own vehicles and work flexible schedules. We’ve tailored the Companion Ride experience to create value for Riders, Drivers, and Caregivers.
Here’s what you can expect:
Personalized Assistance: Your Companion Driver will meet you at your door and help you safely navigate into the vehicle. Companion Drivers are trained to avoid fall risks and navigate stairs and curbs. If you use a foldable mobility device for support, your Companion Driver will offer to steady the device while you stand and pivot into the vehicle, supporting you with an arm as you enter. Real-Time Updates: Configurable notifications are available for riders and caregivers. Choose from Text, Email, and IVR phone calls. You may also follow along with live location tracking for every trip. Reliable Service, Consistent Drivers: Ride with familiar faces to build trust and comfort. Add your favorite Companion Drivers to your profile to increase the chances of being matched with them on future trips! Vetted Professionals: All Companion Drivers are FTAM, CMS, and PACE-compliant drivers. This means that they undergo routine drug, alcohol, driving, and background checks, maintain CPR/First Aid certifications, and more to ensure you're in safe, capable hands. Trained Drivers: Companion Drivers complete numerous training programs, including Fall avoidance, safe transfer procedures, mobility device usage, HIPAA, Elder Abuse avoidance, and more. Flexible Trip Options: Choose from one-way, round-trip, or wait-and-return trips. Wait-and-return trips reserve the same driver for both legs of a trip and are designed to support riders with early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s. *Wait-and-return trips are not available in all markets. Medical Appointment Drop off and Pick Up: Companion Drivers are trained to execute a Door-Through-Door service and go through the doors of a facility to the point of check-in. Companion Drivers will not go past the point of check-in. If you have undergone light anesthesia and are ready to go home but cannot drive, a Companion Driver may meet you at the check-out desk and provide assistance into the vehicle and throughout the remainder of the trip.
To combat loneliness and isolation and create a more enjoyable experience, Onward consistently pairs riders and drivers together. Our matching algorithm uses data from rider profiles based on mobility needs, favorite drivers, and more to frequently pair riders and drivers together. While your favorite driver isn’t guaranteed, scheduling trips in advance and noting a favorite driver in your profile will increase your chances!
“By now, Mr. Thomas knows that when I finish with Dialysis, I need a little extra support. At this point, he gives me an extra hand, and I don’t have to ask.” - Leanora