Who We Are

Who We Are

The story behind Medical Motor Service...

Medical Motor Service is unique in Rochester and Monroe County, as it is the only not for profit transportation agency whose sole purpose is the provision of specialized transportation services. Medical Motor Service collaborates with a broad range of other not for profit agencies to ensure that people gain access to health and social services. Originated in 1919 during the influenza epidemic by the Public Health Nursing Association, the agency originally drew upon volunteer drivers to transport doctors and nurses to area flu victims. The first full time driver was hired in 1922 and for many years the agency was totally supported by charitable donations, as government aid for specialized transportation was simply unheard of. Medical Motor Service was formally incorporated in 1931 and expanded its mission to serve area hospitals, clinics and social service agencies.

Medical Motor Service became a United Way Agency in 1946 and has continued to receive support from that source for the non-emergency transportation needs of children, adults and senior citizens. In 1965, MMS dedicated a car for oncology transportation needs and in 1965 the agency began the area’s first chair-mobile service for wheelchair users. In 1968, Medical Motor Service became a founding partner of the Al Sigl Center and expanded its services to meet the unique needs of its partner agencies.

In 1978, Medical Motor Service began the first “coordinated” transportation service through a contract with the Monroe County Office for the Aging. This service, still in effect today, transports older persons to area senior centers for meals and social services. The contract was unique in that it unified the transportation service of many local senior centers with one operator to improve efficiency and control.

In early 1998 Medical Motor Service opened a full service vehicle maintenance garage that services all the MMS fleet as well as vehicles from other not for profit agencies. By providing onsite repairs and preventative maintenance, the agency is better able to control the cost, quality and safety of its fleet.

In June 1999 Medical Motor Service launched a limited brokerage service to manage Medicaid funded transportation services for behavioral health clients through Coordinated Care Services, Inc. Later, in the fall of 1999, we expanded the brokerage service to include Medicaid managed care recipients enrolled through Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Excellus). In October 2000, Medical Motor Service assumed operation of the Monroe County Department of Social Services Medicaid prior authorization unit. Medical Motor Service brokers to area transporters an estimated 300,000 trips a year. Services provided include: confirmation of Medicaid eligibility, confirmation of medical necessity for services, scheduling and dispatching trips with area vendors, and the processing of claims for services on behalf of Monroe County.

Medical Motor Service provides an average of 435,000 trips a year to over 8,500 area residents who are disabled and/or unable to use traditional transit services.

A newspaper clipping from the Democrat and Chronicle, May 17, 1936 shows driver, Mrs. Herbert Ward, helping two young clients on one of the 2,572 trips to local clinics made that year by the Women's Volunteer Motor Service, now the Medical Motor Service.