EAST LANSING - Driving late at night, or in uprepictbable weather conditions is a concern for many senior citizens. Acknowledging this, three Michigan state University Students designed a company to meet the driving needs for all seniors in Meridian Township.

Beatrice Linder is senior resident at Independence Village, and she has been a client for nearly one year.
Linder said her biggest asset with using this service is being able to keep her independence. She does not have to follow a bus schedule for transportation needs, but rather picks up the phone and makes a drive schedule of her own.

"I feel it gives you a reason to get dressed, to meet other people," she said. "It makes the world a little wider than living in four walls."

The independence factor is precisely what the CEOs of Driver on Call had in mind when developing the program. The three Michigan State University undergrad students realized just how utilized the service could be used here in Meridian Township.

"There are thousands, millions maybe of seniors in that same scenario/ Where they own their car, they want the independence, they enjoy having their car, they don't want to give it up, but how can we be safe," said Alex Riquardi CEO of Driver on Call. "That really was the business idea, the 'ah-ha' moment– this really could be a service that can help a lot of people."

Riguardi alongside his business partner, CEO of Driver on Call Hyuk Joo reach out locally, and recently held a presentation at the Meridian Township Senior Center.

The Driver on Call group is 24 hours a day and seven days a week. To schedule a drive, the service can be reached at 188871DRIVE.