Starting next week, MEO Transportation will enroll all riders in new ride-confirmation system

Maui Economic Opportunity's transportation services will enroll all riders in a ride-confirmation system starting March 2.

According to MEO, the Interactive Voice Response, or IVR, system will send an automated phone reminder call the night before the trip and an "on the way call" 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. The goal is to improve service and better accommodate last-minute changes.

"Many people don't realize that no-shows can cause significant delays for other clients," MEO Chief Executive Officer Debbie Cabebe explained. "We understand that plans and appointments change. We hope these reminders will help folks reschedule or cancel when needed so we can maximize our limited resources."

In addition to reminders, the system provides clients with an estimated pickup window and the ability to cancel rides in advance. Calls to clients the night before will begin at 5 p.m. and will appear as "MEO Transportation" on caller I.D.

Reminders and cancellation instructions will be available in both English and Spanish, depending on the voice response of the recipient. The system will also leave a message if an answering machine or voicemail is detected.

Reminder calls will go out to both Human Services and Maui Bus ADA Paratransit clients who have a working telephone number on file with MEO.

For more information, call the MEO Transportation office at (808) 877-7651.