Ryan Booney was an insurance agent before he decided to buy Colonial Transit, a private car service company serving the residents of the Historic Triangle and Greater Peninsula.
“It wasn’t really my cup of tea,” Booney said, in regards to being an insurance agent. “I knew I could be of service.”
Booney had worked at Colonial Transit for a year before agreeing to buy the business in 2010.
“We basically fill in the gap where WATA or Ride can’t go,” he said.
A vast majority of the appointments, which average about two a day, are medical, Booney said, adding the company does non-emergency transportation including driving people to family events. Most of the traveling is mainly within James City County.
Colonial Transit used to drive Medicaid patients but stopped about three or four years ago since they had enough business from private paying clients.
While Booney has advertised at various health care facilities, most of clients are referred to him by word-of-mouth.
So what makes him different from other transportation services like taxis and WATA?
“A taxi service does not have wheelchair and stretcher capabilities,” Booney said. “WATA has limitations on when, where they drive––– they have limitations on who they drive,” he added.
In addition, Booney said his service caters to clients after hours and holidays, too. But that doesn’t stop him from referring people to other transportation services if they are a better fit for them.
“If they can go via WATA and I’m their first call, I’ll refer them to WATA,” he said.
The prices of the car ride vary depending on if the client is in a wheelchair, requires a stretcher and where the client is going. The lowest price he offers is a one way trip for a person in a wheelchair within Williamsburg or James City County –– about $85.
Garrett Duncan, a retired Army colonel has been a client of Colonial Transit for less than two years. His wife, Catherine, is wheelchair bound and hiring Booney to pick her up and take her to medical visits is more convenient.
“I’m very satisfied and have recommended to other people who have inquired about the service,” Duncan said.
For more information about Colonial Transit, visit their website or call Booney at 757-565-1966 to schedule an appointment.
