What is The Kennector?

The Kennector Program is a volunteer transportation program managed through the Town of Kennebunk Social Services Department. This program replicates the comfort and convenience of using private automobiles and allows riders to maintain a degree of independence. The Kennector gives riders feelings of dignity, opportunity, choice, enjoyment and independence through a door-to-door, arm-through-arm approach. 

Who can use this transportation program?

The Kennector provides an affordable transportation option for older people and adults with vision impairments or other disabilities in Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel. As the program grows, it will be available to any adult over the age of 18. If you are interested in using this program, you will need to register as a rider. 

How does the program work?

This program is built on a classic neighbor-helping-neighbor model, powered by the kindness and generosity that exists in communities like ours. At the heart of this program are volunteer drivers who sign up to be available to drive a neighbor to their requested location.  

Riders need to register for the program either by completing the online application or requesting a paper application. Once registered, a rider can request a ride by calling the Ride Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance at (207) 604-1366 to discuss the details of the request. 

The Ride Coordinator will check driver availability and assign a volunteer to the ride request. The fully vetted and trained volunteer drivers place a placard on the passenger side of their windshield and will be wearing a lanyard with their name identifying them as a driver for The Kennector so the rider is able to easily identify their vehicle/driver. Riders are picked up at the time requested and transported as outlined in the driver manifest (daily schedule of rides).

When are rides available?

Currently rides are available Monday through Friday, from 8am to 2pm. As the program grows, we hope to extend the hours of operation. 

What is the service area?

The Kennector offers transportation for any purpose within a 15 mile radius of Kennebunk. This generally covers the towns of Biddeford/Saco, Sanford/Springvale and York, in addition to Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel. 

Cost

There is a base fee for each ride of $2.00, plus $0.50 per mile with a minimum $5.00/ride charge. Riders are required to prepay by applying funds to their account. This can be done via check made payable to: "Town of Kennebunk," with "The Kennector" in the memo line, or via credit card by calling the Ride Coordinator who will process the payment over the phone (2.5% service charge applies). 

Interested in volunteering for The Kennector?

Volunteers are the heart of this program! Among other vetting and qualifications, drivers need to enjoy serving others as the social contact provided by this service is an important part of the program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver or volunteering your time in other ways to support the program and help us grow, please complete an application to get started!  

Once your application is received, you will be emailed the detailed Volunteer Driver Description and a Criminal Background Check form for completion. A short phone pre-screening will be completed where you will have the opportunity to ask any questions about the program. A Volunteer Orientation is provided for all volunteers. 

Our In-Person Orientation offers a friendly relaxed environment for you to meet other new volunteers that are joining our team, meet the Program Manager and Ride Coordinator, learn about the program and receive/review the Welcome Packet and prepare you to start volunteering.  

Questions about insurance?

Volunteers may wonder about the implications to their vehicle insurance policies if they sign up to be a volunteer. Please refer to the Maine State Statute, Title 14, Section 158-A, "Immunity for Charitable Directors, Officers and Volunteers" (PDF), as well as Maine State Statute, Title 24-A, Section 2902-F, "Volunteer Drivers" (PDF). 

Both statutes address volunteer drivers and confirm that an insurer may not refuse to issue or raise the rate on an insurance policy based solely because the applicant is a volunteer driver.