Hanover DASH Transportation Service a Key to Employment Success
- David Hudson
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 9
By David Hudson, disability self-advocate and guest contributor
The Arc of Hanover is beginning an occasional blog series about public transportation options here in Hanover County. We are connecting with self-advocates who are using transportation services, such as Hanover DASH and the GRTC LINK system. We are asking questions about experiences so we can encourage others to reach out and to learn how to use these services here in the County.
The Arc of Hanover: Who are you?
Respondent: David Hudson, 22 years old.
Note: David is employed in Randolph-Macon College's dining services program. He requires transportation to Ashland for his job from his home in Mechanicsville.
The Arc of Hanover: What type of public transportation do you use?
David Hudson: Hanover DASH
Note: Hanover DASH is operated by Hanover County Government. It's a personalized transportation program for Hanover County residents age 65 and older and for individuals with disabilities. Read more about how to register for Hanover DASH at www.HanoverDASH.org.
The Arc of Hanover: How long have you used public transportation? If you use more than one public transportation service, please mention who you are using?
David Hudson: Two years. Sometimes if Hanover DASH doesn’t have a driver, I get switched to Lyft [a national ride-hailing service].
The Arc of Hanover: Why did you choose to use public transportation?
David Hudson: I become more independent.
The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn what transportation options were available in Hanover?
David Hudson: My mom.
The Arc of Hanover: How did you learn to use the transportation system? (Read a schedule; contact a driver; arrange for payment, etc.)
David Hudson: My mom helps me. They also have an app.
Note: Hanover DASH uses UZURV Ride, an app available for Apple and Android platforms. See the Hanover DASH website for more information.
The Arc of Hanover: Describe a typical day of using public transportation: What do you do? See?
David Hudson: Driver comes to my house. I make sure it’s the correct car and license plate. They drop me off at work. In the afternoon, my mom texts me who is picking me up (car type, car color, license plate and picture of driver). I look for car and check license plate and car type, and drive home. My debit card gets charged for my trips.
The Arc of Hanover: What challenges or barriers did you face in using your transportation? How did you overcome those challenges?
David Hudson: When I get switched to Lyft, they are sometimes late to pick me up. Sometimes one driver will drop my ride, and I have to wait for another driver to pick me up. I stay calm and play my phone.
The Arc of Hanover: What advice would you share with others about using public transportation?
David Hudson: Try it. You will like it. Tell your parent if you don’t like driver. One smelled like smoke, or they play loud music.
The Arc of Hanover: What has been the best part of using public transportation?
David Hudson: Riding in different type cars.
This interview was completed prior to the Fall 2025 shutdown of the federal government. As of this publication in November of 2025, Hanover DASH may temporarily cease operations on December 1st due to the shutdown. The program is funded by Hanover County Government as well as by state and federal funding from the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation. The County is currently funding the program through the end of November.
Another Hanover disability self-advocate -- and an avid volunteer at The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store -- John Morel also uses Hanover DASH for his transportation to his volunteer position. John's story about using Hanover DASH is published in the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of The Hanover Review, the biannual magazine of Hanover County Government. You can read the article online here.
The Arc of Hanover continues to monitor these changes as they impact our local disability self-advocates, their families and caregivers. If you need help or information now, contact Diane Gallegos, Co-Executive Director/Mission at The Arc of Hanover. Email diane@thearcofhanover.org or call 804-798-2400 (PRESS 1).
If you want to help people in Hanover County with intellectual or developmental disabilities via The Arc of Hanover, donate here.
If you are a disability self-advocate, parent, caregiver or concerned citizen interested in writing a blog post for The Arc of Hanover -- on transportation or any subject -- please contact Sue Jeantheau, Communications Committee, at sue.jeantheau@thearcofhanover.org.
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