What should I ask about a senior day program’s transportation vehicles and drivers?

Start with the vehicles. Ask for a list showing ownership or lease terms, age, condition and any accessibility equipment such as lifts. Request service records and inspection reports. Ask how repairs are handled and what happens when a vehicle is out of service on a day participants need a ride.

Next, the drivers. Ask whether they are employees or contractors, what licences and training they hold, and how the program checks them. Ask about incident and complaint records, and how drivers are supported when a participant needs help. Your lawyer can tell you which requirements apply to this kind of transport.

Finally, ask about insurance and costs. Have your broker or adviser review the coverage and how it would continue under new ownership. Compare transport costs with what the program receives for it. Ask whether families rely on rides and what they would do if the service changed. A transport operation that is documented and well staffed is a strength. One that depends on a single driver is a risk. Ask the drivers themselves how they feel about the routes, the schedule and the support they receive. Their candour can show strains the paperwork hides, and it helps you judge whether they would stay.

Key takeaways

• Get a list of vehicles with ownership, condition, service records and accessibility equipment.
• Review driver qualifications, training, incident records and backup coverage.
• Have an adviser review insurance and how it would continue after a sale.