What We Do:
Carolina RIDES+ exists to help people get from where they live to where they need to go.
- We believe transportation should not be the reason someone misses work, delays healthcare, loses access to groceries, or becomes disconnected from community.
- Our work is focused on building practical, sponsored transportation solutions that help people move toward stability and opportunity.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide mobility solutions that connect people to work, healthcare, food, training, worship, and community.
We do this by working with donors, community partners, churches, employers, healthcare providers, and transportation providers to make affordable rides possible for people who need them most.
Our Vision
Mobility for all in the Carolinas.
We envision communities where lack of transportation is no longer a barrier to employment, healthcare, food access, worship, education, or economic stability.
We believe that when people can get where they need to go, families become stronger, communities become healthier, and opportunity becomes more accessible.
Why Carolina RIDES+
Carolina RIDES+ was created to respond to a simple but urgent problem: many people are trying to move forward, but they cannot get there.
The need may be a ride to work.
A ride to the doctor.
A ride to the grocery store.
A ride to training.
A ride to worship.
A ride to a place where someone is known, supported, and helped.We are working to build a transportation model that is affordable, collaborative, and community-driven.
Our Leadership:
Fred Payne: Chair, Board and Project Leader
Retired GVL County Council, 2006-2018; Retired Higher Education Administrator (1977-2006): GTC: Executive Director, Foundation (1996-2006); Exec. Director: GVL, ITT Technical Institute (1992-1995); President, Limestone College (1986-1991); CDO, North Greenville College (1980-1986); CAO, Brewton-Parker College (1977-1980).
Jonathan Lopez: Board Member
Canal Insurance Manager
Jeff Gurney: Vice Chair
Kurt Mueller: Secretary
Retired Vice President, ZF Lemforder, Retired, 23 years, and 43 years in the Automotive industry.
Jonathan Griffith: Treasurer
CEO Palmetto Nutraceuticals, Executive Operations & Financial Strategies
