White Plains nonprofit logs 53,000 free rides since 2013

A White Plains nonprofit that provides free transportation for older adults and individuals with low vision has completed 15 years of operation with a total of more than 53,000 rides. TRA Group, Inc. logged these trips between its founding in 2013 and June 2026, relying on a network of volunteers to connect riders with medical appointments and community resources.

The organization reached this milestone alongside the receipt of national accreditation from Inform USA. Inform USA is a membership and standard-setting body for community navigation and information referral services. TRA underwent an 18-month review process to qualify for the designation, which verifies the nonprofit’s service delivery, information reliability, and community partnerships.

The accreditation arrives during a period of expanded demand for accessible transport. In 2025, TRA Group began accepting new riders after the closure of RideConnect and New Rochelle Cares. The organization took on additional responsibilities in 2026 following the end of F.I.S.H. Hastings-on-Hudson. These closures left a gap in regional services that TRA Group filled while managing a substantial rise in the number of people needing rides.

The nonprofit will mark the 15th anniversary with an event titled “15 Who Paved the Way.” The gathering is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Mansion on Broadway, located at 139 N. Broadway in White Plains. The theme of the celebration focuses on the 15 specific founders, leaders, advocates, and champions who helped establish the organization’s mission.

Attendees at the event will join supporters to review the group’s history and recognize the individuals who shaped its development. Tickets and raffle entries are currently available for purchase. Participants can enter a drawing for a seven-night stay for up to four people at a villa in Tuscany, Italy. The prize covers accommodations but excludes airfare and food. Sponsorship and journal advertising options are also open for those looking to support the cause.

TRA Group states that its work bridges the gap between healthcare access and independence. The nonprofit coordinates volunteer-driven transport to help individuals and families maintain their health and safety. The organization continues to serve the community by linking people with essential resources while they remain in their homes.