Ride With Jodie owner Jodie Melverton is catering to a wide range of needs in the region and passenger Samuel Mehanni says the service is sorely needed.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
A new rideshare business has been launched in Kyabram to cater for a diverse range of clientele almost every day of the week.
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Jodie Melverton is the owner and driver behind Ride With Jodie, which is now operating in town as a sole-trader ride service for the public.
Previously working in aged care, Ms Melverton began driving taxis in Echuca and Shepparton about a year ago and found she thoroughly enjoyed the job.
Meeting a variety of people, getting to know passengers and having a laugh are some of the main perks of her role.
“I absolutely love it,” Ms Melverton said.
“I try and cater for everyone. I’m not just going to drop you off here, that’s it. I like to engage with my customers.
“I’ve become a mum, I’ve become a counsellor — I’ve become that person to open up to.”
Ms Melverton was inspired to start the business due to a lack of availability and accessibility of taxis operating in town.
Kyabram resident Samuel Mehanni got his first lift with Ms Melverton’s new business on Wednesday, July 9, and said the service was sorely needed locally.
Jodie Melverton and Samuel Mehanni after their first ride under the new business.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
“I’m on the NDIS and have a disability. I can’t drive a car properly, so I’m relying on family, friends, Jodie, my support workers and the taxis as well,” he said.
“Public transport is very inadequate in this region and the transit centre in Kyabram is very unsafe.”
Mr Mehanni said when public transport arrived in Kyabram late at night, taxis were often not available to call, which could lead to safety issues.
When taxis were called to Kyabram from Echuca, Ms Melverton said the costs could become prohibitively expensive for passengers.
While NDIS participants may be eligible for transport funding, some taxis won’t accept clients because the subsidy process can be difficult.
Ms Melverton said the NDIS system could sometimes be taken advantage of as well.
“It’s vital for our most vulnerable to build a rapport and feel confident, safe and trust their drivers,” she said.
“I think that, too, is a big factor for why I wanted to open up my own business, because I do know that there is a lot of rorting and over-charging.”
Ride With Jodie operating hours, Kyabram
Monday: 9am to 10pm.
Tuesday: closed.
Wednesday: 9am to 10pm.
Thursday: 9am to 10pm.
Friday: 9am to 10pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10.30am to 10pm.
(Times may vary depending on availability).
Along with her driver’s accreditation and commercial passenger vehicle license, Ms Melverton has an NDIS screening check and has set up a service agreement with Mr Mehanni.
She said she was happy to provide other participants with a service agreement and was working towards becoming a registered NDIA provider.
If all goes according to plan, she will become the first transport service to be registered with the NDIA and grow her fleet to include larger accessible vehicles.
Ms Melverton’s other qualifications include a Working With Children Check and an Ageing Support Cert IV and she is furthering her studies in understanding dementia, first aid, CPR and social psychology.
She offers a cheaper fixed start fee for rides, discounted fares for elderly pensioners and hands out loyalty cards, with every 10th trip free within a 10km radius.
To find out more, or to book a ride, phone 0428 084 874 or search Ride With Jodie online.
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