Area residents in need of a ride will have another option starting Monday.

Integrated Medical Transport, the largest provider of nonemergency medical transportation in Pennsylvania, will offer its service to the general public for those who rely on public transportation and are concerned about the spread of COVID-19.

Locally, the service will be available in Carbon, Schuylkill, Monroe, Northampton and Lehigh counties.

To make a reservation for a ride, customers can call Integrated Medical Transport at 717-590-8179, email reserve@integratedmedicaltransport.com.

The company has reduced its lowest medical transport rate for the purpose of general public rides. The general public ride base rate is $40 each way plus $2.50 per mile.

The service will continue until the threat of the coronavirus has passed.

Integrated Medical Transport’s vehicles are cleaned twice between transports, adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical cleaning protocol guidance for emergency medical services agencies.

According to a press release, vehicles are sanitized upon arrival at a client’s pickup location to create the cleanest possible environment prior to transport.

“This also provides clients with an opportunity to witness the sanitization procedure. Vehicles are then sanitized immediately after a client is dropped off at their destination to minimize the risk of carried contamination and exposure between clients,” the release states.

Drivers also undergo a body temperature check before the start of their shifts, and each are trained in the use of personal protective equipment to maximize infection control.

“While our country and our state continues to institute unprecedented measures to counter the spread of COVID-19, there are individuals who count on ride-hailing services and other public transportation options for essential travel,” said Integrated Medical Transport Chief Executive Officer Matt Rohman. “These individuals will be rightfully concerned about the risk of exposure to the virus and community spread. This is why we have decided to put our premium medical transport fleet to work as an alternative to ride-hailing services, ride-sharing services and taxis. Customers will not only have a comfortable ride but can take comfort knowing our vehicles are sanitized before and after each ride in accordance with EMS transportation standards.”

Other counties serviced will include Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Perry, York, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, Northumberland, Snyder, Berks County and Juniata.