The free transport service, which has been operating in the Dunedin and Mosgiel areas for the past five years, assists vulnerable people to and from medical-related appointments.
Red Cross Otago programmes co-ordinator Richie Marlow said the service was proving as popular as ever, helping 180 to 200 people each month get to where they needed to be. Volunteer drivers covered an average of 3000km every month.
''A lot of elderly people and people with mobility issues use the service, so being door-to-door makes it very helpful,'' Mr Marlow said.
And with many people unable to cover the cost of taxis - particularly to and from Mosgiel - the service was very much welcomed by users.
''We tend to go out to Mosgiel several times a day and the people are always very grateful for the service,'' he said.
At present, there are 10 volunteers who regularly give their time to drive the eight-seater Red Cross van.
Mr Marlow would like to increase that number to 15 or 20 people, including more drivers and passenger assistants. This would provide more cover for existing drivers and add an extra element to the service.
''The idea of having passenger assistants is to have another person in the van with the driver, able to help people in and out, so the driver can concentrate on driving,'' Mr Marlow said.
''This means we can open up opportunities for people who may not have a driver's licence to be part of the service.''
Long-serving volunteer driver Shirley Laney, a retired nurse who has been part of the Red Cross Community Transport Service since it began, finds it thoroughly rewarding.
''It's great because it allows me to continue having contact with patients and I get to go out and about in the community. A lot of the people who use the service don't get often get out, so it is a nice chance for them to have an outing and to see what is happening around the town.''
When several clients were on board the van, it could become very sociable, she said.
''You often hardly need to talk because the people in the van are enjoying chatting to each other. And when you have regulars, they often get to know each other and enjoy catching up.''
For information on becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross Community Transport Service, phone Richie Marlow on 477-1527 or email otago@redcross.org.nz