Why NEMT Matters Locally: Bridging the Transportation Gap on the Central Coast

Imagine needing life-saving treatment—but having no reliable way to get there. For many on California’s Central Coast, that’s reality. Access to care shouldn’t depend on owning a car or having someone to drive—but in rural areas, transportation often becomes the barrier.

The Local Challenge

In San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, regional health surveys consistently cite “lack of transportation” as a top barrier to medical care (SLO Health Counts). Among those experiencing homelessness, transportation remains one of the biggest obstacles to getting medical help (SLOCOG).

In SLO County, 25.6% of residents live with a disability, many needing special

assistance to reach appointments. Nationally, 1 in 3 Americans have reported transportation issues delaying or preventing care—especially those without vehicles or with mobility challenges.

These aren’t just numbers—they represent missed appointments, untreated conditions, and preventable emergencies.

Why It Matters

When patients can’t reach their doctors, chronic illnesses progress, emergency visits rise, and healthcare costs increase. Reliable transportation is about more than convenience—it’s about equity, dignity, and community well-being.

How NEMT Helps

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) connects patients to essential care when:

• They can’t drive due to illness, injury, or surgery

• They lack a car or caregiver

• They need wheelchair or stretcher assistance

• They have recurring treatments or follow-ups

• They live in rural or hard-to-reach areas

With trained drivers and equipped vehicles, NEMT provides door-to-door service that turns distance into access.

Care Connection Transport: Your Bridge to Care

At Care Connection Transport, we’re closing the transportation gap across the Central Coast. Our mission is simple: connect people to care with safe, reliable, and compassionate service.

By expanding NEMT locally, we can reduce missed appointments, improve outcomes, and build a more connected, equitable community.

📞 Call (805) 934-0592 to learn how we can help you or a loved one get to essential medical appointments—safely, comfortably, and on time.