ANWB AutoMaatje is a transport service where volunteer drivers transport less mobile fellow citizens. The drivers use their own car for this. This service is particularly geared towards elderly as the ANWB would like to keep people mobile for as long as possible so as to avoid their isolation from day-to-day public activities. This service is almost free as the user only has to pay a small expense allowance of € 0.30 cents per kilometre to the volunteer driver.

Category: Other

Developer: ANWB

Main function: Other

What is the main sub-function of the service/product: Companion driving service

Target group(s): Older people

Countries/cities of operation: The Netherlands, running in 79 municipalities

Technologies needed to use the service:

  • Telephone to make a phone call to the local ANWB Automaatje coordinator
  • Laptop, desktop, tablet or smartphone with internet connection for viewing service points

Is there a non-digital way to use this service or product? Yes, Automaatje can be booked by telephone two days before the desired travel.

Why is this a good example?

Reason(s) Enhances sociability and mobility of older people
More details The service specifically targets elderly people who are isolated and less mobile. The goal is to assist them in remaining mobile and social, and help them in getting to their destinations. For a small expense, local volunteers use their vehicles to drive elderly people to their destinations.
Tags Specific user groups-Older people, Specific user groups-People with disabilities

Reason(s) Booking possible via non-digital ways
More details Automaatje is booked by telephone 2 days before the desired travel. This enables elderly people who are not digitally savvy to have access to the service and further supports use of the service by people with low incomes who are not able to afford internet access.
Tags Caters for low technology users

Reason(s) Very low cost
More details This service is almost free as the user only has to pay a small expense allowance of € 0.30 cents per kilometre to the volunteer driver.
Tags Cost, Specific user groups-People with low income

If you would like to know more about why this product is part of this catalogue or what aspects of this example are specifically appropriate, click here to view the full DIGNITY Interactive Catalogue, which contains further information.

Categories: Digital companion driving service
Tags: Caters for low technology users, Cost, Specific user groups