“Early is on time, on time is late, and late is not acceptable.â€Â Around the Sound non-emergency transportation is not like your cable company who gives you a four-hour window. Around The Sound gives you a 15-minute window for pick up. Getting where you need to be has never been so simple, timely and pleasurable.
Steve Hutchins has operated this business since 2003 and bought the company late in 2006 with his partners. The goal is to build Around the Sound into the Nordstom of senior transportation. Hutchins has been in the transportation business since graduating from college in 1977. The things learned over those years have given him an advantage in customer service. He knows what his customers expect and need. Around the Sound has the cleanest vans with polite, uniformed drivers who address their passengers by “Mr.†or “Mrs.â€
The office for Around the Sound hums with efficiency. Office employees answer the telephone and schedule rides on a sophisticated computer system. Looking at the computer screen tells the Around the Sound staff where each of their 20 vans are at any time. The office is staffed Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for information or to schedule transportation or contact them online at www.around-the-sound.net.
When the van arrives to pick you up, you’ll be greeted by a courteous driver. With a minimum of 80 hours of training, the drivers have, not only a squeaky clean driving record with no criminal background, they are, most importantly, trained to provide exceptional customer service. The majority of the trips consist of just you and your driver, so expect one-on-one attention, an easy smile, and the comfortable service you deserve for your trip. Each driver is trained for accommodating passengers with special needs, including wheelchairs and scooters, crutches and walkers, and Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as ambulatory passengers.
Around the Sound has expanded to serve Pierce, Kitsap, Mason, Clallam, Jefferson and South King Counties. With all of the driving they do, it is imperative that each of their 20 vehicles is in top working order. Brian Reid, “their personal, in house mechanic†keeps every van in tip top shape. Preventative maintenance is the rule of order for all vehicles.
This transportation service is so popular that repeat business is normal for them. One of their long-time customers, Eugene Hudspeth, says the drivers are like family. They know just how to handle him and what vehicles suit him best.
Frequent travelers like Hudspeth can get discounts off the regular rates. Packages of 10, 25, 50 and 100 rides receive these discounts.
Around the Sound is your local shuttle specialist in transporting you to and from appointments, weddings, parties, church and special events. Transportation is offered seven days a week from 4 a.m. to midnight. You may schedule a pick up any day of the week online or you can schedule a trip via the office staff Monday through Saturday. It is recommended that you make your reservations ahead of time, especially for Sunday. Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, or a special event, Around the Sound will be there for you. Costs start at $36 for wheelchair riders, 10 miles or less. Non-wheelchair riders pay $21 plus mileage. Call 253-858-7088 or 360-874-0055. You may also visit them online at www.around-the-sound.net.