August 2022 Newsletter

Medstar wins two contracts!

Medstar Transportation has recently won not one, but two contracts this year! Last May, Medstar was chosen by Community Transit to implement the Microtransit Lynnwood Pilot Project for Snohomish County in Washington. We will work with them to design, launch, operate, market, maintain, and iterate a demand-responsive microtransit service pilot in 2022.

In just a month, we won another contract with Pierce Transit. Medstar
will implement Spanaway Runner Service and provide transit connections
for seniors, persons with special needs, and limited mobility in the 2-mile boundary in the Parkland-Spanaway Midland area using an application-based trip planning platform. The Spanaway Runner Service will also accommodate trips to the general public within places defined in the Spanaway service area.

These opportunities give us more chances to grow and provide service with utmost safety and reliability. We are just getting started this year. We will look for more opportunities to expand and continue to drive happiness through service.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our August 2022 Newsletter Issue.

July 2022 Newsletter

Breaking Barriers to Accessibility

This July, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turns 32 along with the celebration of the National Disability Independence Day. This broke down several barriers to accessibility, has improved mobility, and ensured safety.

One way to observe National Disability Independence Day is to start with a little bit of introspection. How accessible is your business to those with disabilities? Transportation sits at the center of our daily lives. Having access to it could also mean having access to food, clothing, education, jobs, friends, necessities and all other resources that the world has to offer.

Medstar Transportation has recognized this pressing need and it is committed to providing equal opportunities for people to access safe and reliable services. After all, transportation is not just a basic need—it represents independence, autonomy, and well-being.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our July 2022 Newsletter Issue.

June 2022 Newsletter

SAFETY: It is Our Number One Value

June is Safety month! And here at Medstar, we consider Safety as our Top Core Value.

Now that we are in the middle of the year, let’s revisit some safety tips as we drive our clients to their desired destinations.

1. Prevention

Unexpected breakdowns can be a pain for both drivers and passengers. However, these breakdowns can be prevented as we perform inspections, report any issues immediately, and perform scheduled services. Make sure to give ample time before the start of your trip to perform a Pre-Trip Inspection. At the end of your shift, make sure to also do a Post-Trip Inspection to assure that the vehicle didn’t encounter any issues after a full day of use. Check if your vehicle is due for any service and contact Fleet and/or Safety for any concerns.

2. Defensive Driving

Keep your focus, maintain proper distance, and take caution on every tweak and turn. Always be early to trips so you don’t have to speed through to get to your desired destination. Being a defensive driver can help all vehicles on the road have a tense-free drive.

3. Preparation for the Weather

Whether it’s raining, snowing, or the sun is up, it’s important to make smart decisions in any driving condition. Follow speed limits and use appropriate light signals for a safe drive.

4. School Zones, Residential Areas, and Speed Limits

Prevent accidents by strictly adhering to speed limits. Make sure to check your speed especially when entering school zones and residential areas. This can keep you, your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers safe. 

Don’t learn safety by accident! Be cautious, stay alert, follow traffic rules, and always remember that safety is more important than convenience.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our June 2022 Newsletter Issue.

May 2022 Newsletter

No Substitute to Hard Work

Last month, we announced a new compensation structure that focuses on driver efficiency. This structure aims to recognize and reward our hardworking drivers, and increase employee retention.

Some may be adjusting and have some questions as we transition to a better and more productive compensation structure. But rest assured that the Management’s goal is to help each of
our drivers succeed and have a fruitful experience at Medstar.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our May 2022 Newsletter Issue.

April 2022 Newsletter

New Compensation Package

As a company, we appreciate your concerns, recommendations, and insight on the new compensation model for the Transportation Department.

We want you to know that we appreciate your perspective. We are currently listening to the different concerns, analyzing the recommendations, and gathering data on implementing the compensation model with the first payroll processes.

We are actively working on gathering the needed data to modify or improve the model.

Once again, thank you for being such a valuable part of our company. We appreciate your patience and understanding of our new processes.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our April 2022 Newsletter Issue.

We are Happy to Announce a Wage Increase and New Incentive Program!

We recognize and appreciate everyone's hard work and commitment for the past year! These are challenging times for all businesses across the globe, but Medstar has continued to weather the effects of the pandemic. We continue to grow, expand and overcome the challenges that come our way.

With all your efforts and unwavering dedication, we are happy to announce a wage increase and additional bonuses in the Transportation Department effective on April 1st, 2022! This includes an increase in ALL our drivers’ base rate!

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our March 2022 Newsletter Issue.

Remembering a Star

“Say not in grief 'he is no more' but live in thankfulness that he was.”

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Daniel ‘Dan’ Rodriguez. Dan, 70, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Union Gap, WA with his loving wife, Kay by his side. Dan has been a part of the Medstar family for 19 years and will be dearly missed by his friends and family.

Dan was a man of faith and loved his family more than anything else. He was a hard worker who was always willing to lend a hand to his friends and colleagues. His colleagues describe him as a wonderful man who always went out of his way to help others. Dan was a blessing to everyone, not only to the Medstar family but also to all of the clients he served throughout the course of his 19-year career as a driver.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our February 2022 Newsletter Issue.

Healthy isn’t a Goal– It’s a Way of Living!

Do you know that January 19 to 26 is Healthy Weight Week? So it’s time to check our lifestyle and eating habits to maintain a healthy weight.

What is considered a healthy weight?

It is essential to recognize that one's weight is not an accurate measure of overall health. A healthy weight, however, lowers one’s risk of weight-related illnesses and diseases. And in order to maintain one, we must first determine what constitutes a healthy weight for our own bodies.

How do we maintain a healthy weight?

• Follow a healthy diet

• Drink lots of water

• Limit portion size to control your calorie intake

• Get enough sleep

• Be as physically active as you can be!

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our January 2022 Newsletter Issue.

‘Tis the Season to be... grateful!’

This year has been a challenging year for many individuals, families, and even businesses, not just in the State of Washington, but across the globe. But it has also been a year of opportunities and growth for Medstar Transportation. We have expanded rapidly in various regions and we have added a lot of talented and committed individuals to our Team.

Indeed, we’ve come through a year of pandemic, filled with both challenges and victories. But how reassuring it has been to know that we can count on all of our wonderful Medstar employees regardless of what faces us. Your support, dedication, and the extra hours that you worked have helped us achieve our goals and enjoy many successes. Each one of you has given valuable contributions to Medstar and we are very proud of you.

So this Christmas season, we offer our best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we look forward to another year of exciting opportunities. Let new beginnings signify a new chapter filled with pages of success and happiness, written by the ink of hard work and service.

Read more updates about Medstar by downloading our December Newsletter Issue.

Happy Veterans and Thanksgiving Month!

Through the years, a significant number of sailors, airmen, marines, and soldiers have fought valiantly to protect our liberty. And last November 11th, we celebrated Veterans Day to honor all of them who served in the military--young and old, dead or alive.

So this Thanksgiving Month, Medstar Transportation is giving a15% fare discount to all our veterans until November 30th. Just call Medstar at 800-236- 2011 to reserve your ride.

Read more about Medstar Transportation updates by downloading our November Newsletter Issue

Are you ready to drive through winter roads?

‘Tis almost the season of ice and snow! Driving through winter roads can be dangerous even for the most experienced drivers, but this is also when they are most needed. Here are 3P’s that can help you as you navigate through snow-dusted roads.

Read more by downloading the Medstar’s Newsletter October Issue

More Bonuses Await Our Drivers!

Starting on September 15th, there will be a $20 bonus for each COVID+/take precautions transport (we are increasing it from $10). If you are vaccinated, this is a great service and great pay when compared to EMTs or competitors’ pay.

Read more about Medstar Transportation updates by downloading our September Newsletter Issue

Medical Transporters: The Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic

When we hear the word “hero”, people may think about comic-book characters, soldiers, law enforcement and firefighters. All these can fit into the category of hero, but many others do as well.

Medical Transporters, our Medstar Drivers, are definitely among them. They wear no cape, nor fight villains with glittering weapons. But they are ordinary people who find strength amidst the global pandemic to serve others and take us safely where we need to be, time in and time out. Many of our transports are for life sustaining services and essential medical appointments for individuals that need accessible vehicles and professionally highly-trained drivers.

Read more by downloading the Medstar’s Newsletter August Issue

Medstar Comes Out Stronger: New Bonuses and Pay Increase Await Everyone!

This past year, the effects of the global pandemic have undeniably disrupted the economy, brought various industries to a complete standstill, and even spurred mass layoffs. All these, however, have not stopped Medstar from expanding to new areas and territories, bringing safe and reliable transportation to all.

Read more by downloading the Medstar’s Newsletter July Issue

$500 Signing Bonus and $500 Referral Bonus are still up for grabs!

The $500 Driver Referral Bonus awaits every Medstar employee who would be able to successfully refer a driver to work for Medstar. Employees get to earn the $500 bonus once EACH of their referral has completed the 90-day probationary period. Each new driver also gets a $500 Signing Bonus!

Medstar employees and driver applicants can just send a text message to 509-822-5803 to apply or send referrals. The Recruitment team will respond within 48 hours.

Our current openings are:

• Tri Cities

• Spokane

• Yakima - YDAR

• Everett

• Seattle (including late night drivers)

• Lynnwood

• Tacoma

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Read more by downloading the Medstar’s Newsletter June Issue

Medstar wins VA contract

Medstar Transportation has been selected to provide  Wheelchair  Van  services  for  beneficiaries within the Department of Veterans Affair, VA Puget Sound. It will begin providing its services to the SOUTH and WEST territories on the 1st of July 2021.

These territories cover the Pierce, Lewis and Thurston Counties, as well as Clallam, Grays, Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, and Kitsap Counties.

Medstar continues to grow and expand to new areas and opportunities, staying true to its commitment to provide safe and reliable transportation services to all.