AUBURN – Western Maine Transportation Services will hold the annual banquet to honor its volunteer drivers for the many hours of service they provide for the agency and their communities. The banquet will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 23, at Rolandeau’s.

WMTS utilizes the services of 100 volunteers in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties to provide essential transportation services.

The escorted ride program utilizes volunteer drivers to pick up people at their homes and take them to medical appointments and other necessary services. Fees are charged based on mileage in some cases. MaineCare (Maine Medicaid) provides transportation for access to approved appointments for residents who are eligible.

The community rides program provides free rides for those who qualify and they are available in Franklin and Oxford counties. The program is funded by the Tri-Valley United Way in Franklin County and the Oxford County United Way for Oxford County communities.

Eugene Skibitsky, agency general manager, said, “The need for volunteer drivers in the tri-county areas continues to grow. We are always recruiting volunteers. WMTS provides training in passenger assistance, defensive driving, child safety seats and provides mileage reimbursement for its volunteers.”

The agency contracts with the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Medical Services (MaineCare), Maine Department of Transportation, Child Development Services and other agencies to provide transportation services in the tri-county area.