How to Start an NEMT Business in Oklahoma: A "Bambi Knows Best" State-by-State Series When it comes to starting your NEMT business in Oklahoma, a reliable fleet of vehicles is beyond Bambi essential. From the busy streets of Oklahoma City to the open plains and rolling hills, your vehicles need to be ready for all types of roads and weather. Here’s how to pick out a fleet that can handle Oklahoma’s wide-open plains and unpredictable weather, all while keeping your passengers comfortable, safe and even having some fun en-route to their medical appoinments:
1 | Choose the Right Vehicles
Oklahoma is known for its mix of urban hustle and a much slower pace out in the countryside, so your fleet should be flexible enough to handle all speeds and scenes. ADA-compliant vehicles are a must to ensure accessibility for everyone, from wheelchair users to elderly passengers. Considering Oklahoma’s varying weather, you'll want to go for vehicles that are equipped with reliable heating and air conditioning. All-wheel drive is a preferable choice for winter, and if you’re looking to save on fuel (who isn’t these days?), hybrid or energy-efficient vehicles might be a good option. The state’s growing push for sustainability means more and more Oklahomans are looking for eco-friendly businesses to support. You could be one of them, too!
2 | Equip for Comfort and Safety
Safety should always be the top priority, so make sure your vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, seatbelt systems and first-aid kits. Comfort is just as important for your passengers, especially on those longer rides from rural spots to urban centers, so be sure to bring along a few cozy touches, like blankets, snacks or some calming music. For those longer trips between Tulsa and Norman, it could make all the difference for your passengers. Be sure to partner with local Oklahoma vendors for maintenance and supplies — that'll be a win-win for your business and your local community!
3 | Stick to a Solid Maintenance Schedule
Between Oklahoma’s heatwaves, thunderstorms and freezing temps in the winter, your fleet will face a lot of challenges. So keeping your vehicles in tip-top shape is essential for the safety and reliability of your service. A regular maintenance schedule and routine checks will ensure you’re always ready for any road and weather conditions you need to travel on and in. Plus, staying on top of your fleet’s health ensures your NEMT business is known for being as dependable as a trusty Oklahoma cowboy. After all, building a strong reputation for reliability is key to keeping your patient riders and medical provider partners happy and loyal.
By choosing the right vehicles, adding those little touch of creature comforts and maintaining your fleet well, you’ll be set to tackle both the city and country routes with ease.
Ready for the next step? In Part 6 , we’ll dive into tips for hiring and training your NEMT team. Or, head back to our Table of Contents for more helpful insights in this Oklahoma edition of our Bambi Knows Best series.
Comments
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.